The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) share one application, administered by Step Up For Students (and, for families who prefer it, AAA Scholarship Foundation). Since the 2023 expansion there is no income ceiling — the 300%-of-poverty line only decides who goes first if money runs short.
The dollar amount depends on your county of residence and your child's grade band. A Hillsborough student is funded at $8,429 in grades K-3, $7,837 in grades 4-8 and $7,644 in grades 9-12 for 2026-27 — a little below Miami-Dade and above Pasco, because awards track each district's per-student funding.
The calendar matters more than the paperwork. New applicants for 2026-27 have until November 15, 2026 and must accept the award in EMA by December 15. Money moves quarterly, and only after the school submits the enrollment and the parent approves it in EMA.
In the October 17, 2026 state directory, 146 of the 203 private schools registered in Hillsborough are flagged as FTC or FES-EO participants. Every school page here shows that flag, along with the school's FES-UA and PEP participation.
How to stack it
Florida Private School Scholarship (FTC / FES-EO) can usually be combined with school-based tuition assistance and at least one other source on this site. Complete the funding check and an advisor will map the full stack for your child.