Florida's Scholarship for Military Families
Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) includes a specific carve-out for children of active-duty military members—making it one of the most accessible school choice programs for military families in the country.
For families stationed in Florida considering military schools like Admiral Farragut Academy or Florida Prep, this scholarship can provide $7,000-$8,000+ annually toward private school tuition.
The Military Dependent Advantage
While most FES-EO scholarships have income requirements, military dependents qualify regardless of household income under Florida's expanded eligibility rules.
Eligible military students include children of:
- Active-duty service members (all branches)
- Members of the Florida National Guard
- Members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces
This means a military family earning well above income limits can still qualify—simply because of their service.
Scholarship Amounts
FES-EO scholarship amounts are based on the state's per-pupil funding formula:
| Grade Level | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Elementary (K-5) | ~$7,000-7,500 |
| Middle (6-8) | ~$7,500-8,000 |
| High School (9-12) | ~$8,000-8,500 |
Amounts vary slightly by year and can be used for tuition, fees, and approved educational expenses.
Florida Military Schools
Florida hosts several military school options that accept FES scholarships:
Admiral Farragut Academy (St. Petersburg)
- Grades 8-12, boarding and day
- Navy-focused JROTC program
- Strong sailing and marine programs
Florida Preparatory Academy (Melbourne)
- Grades 6-12, boarding and day
- Air Force JROTC
- Aviation program with flight training
Sarasota Military Academy (Sarasota)
- Grades 6-12, public charter (tuition-free)
- Army JROTC program
- Alternative to private school if FES doesn't cover full tuition
Other Options:
- Florida Youth Challenge Academy (free residential program for at-risk teens)
- Various JROTC-intensive public schools
Contact each school to confirm current FES participation.
How to Apply
Step 1: Verify Military Status Gather documentation of active-duty or reserve status.
Step 2: Apply Through Step Up For Students Florida's FES program is administered by Step Up For Students, a nonprofit scholarship funding organization.
- Visit stepupforstudents.org
- Create an account
- Complete the application
- Upload required documentation
Step 3: Receive Award Once approved, funds are loaded onto a scholarship account that can be used at participating schools.
Step 4: Enroll in School Choose a participating private school and complete their enrollment process. The school will coordinate with Step Up for payment.
Application Timeline
| When | What |
|---|---|
| February-April | Applications open for following school year |
| May-July | Award notifications |
| August | Funds available for school year |
| Ongoing | Some schools accept mid-year enrollments |
Important: Apply early. While military families have guaranteed eligibility, scholarship funds are distributed on a first-come basis.
What Expenses Are Covered
FES funds can be used for:
- Tuition and fees at participating private schools
- Textbooks and instructional materials
- Uniforms (required school uniforms)
- Transportation to school (limited)
For boarding school, tuition covers the academic program. Room and board costs are typically separate and not covered by FES.
Combining with Other Funding
FES can be combined with:
- School financial aid: Apply for additional need-based aid
- 529 Plans: Use for expenses not covered by FES
- GI Bill benefits: Transferable benefits for certain programs
- Payment plans: For remaining balance after scholarship
The PCS Advantage
Florida's program is particularly valuable for military families because:
- No waiting period: New Florida residents can apply immediately
- Portable within Florida: Scholarship follows the student if you PCS to another Florida base
- Simple renewal: Annual renewal process is straightforward
Questions to Ask the School
- "Do you accept Florida FES-EO scholarships?"
- "How much of your tuition does the scholarship typically cover?"
- "What additional costs should we budget for beyond tuition?"
- "Do you have experience with military families and PCS transitions?"
- "What documentation do you need from Step Up For Students?"
For National Guard and Reserve
Florida specifically includes National Guard and Reserve families in the military exemption. You qualify if you are:
- An active drilling member of the Florida National Guard
- A member of a reserve component on active status
Weekend drill status counts—you don't need to be on active orders.
Resources
- Step Up For Students — Application portal
- Florida Department of Education — Program information
- Your base Education Office — May have additional guidance
Key Takeaways
- Military dependents qualify for FES regardless of income
- Scholarships provide $7,000-8,500 annually depending on grade level
- Admiral Farragut Academy and Florida Prep are participating military schools
- Apply through Step Up For Students—apply early for best results
- Scholarship covers tuition; room and board costs are separate for boarding schools
Next Steps
Learn more about military school costs and funding options. Understand how to evaluate military schools before applying.