Can a Hillsborough family pay for this with scholarship funds?
Tuition and fees at an FLDOE-approved online or virtual provider, Florida Virtual School as a private-pay student, and approved online courses are eligible.
Self-paced courses are curriculum; live instruction must be from an approved online provider; full-time online school is not permitted on PEP.
An approved online private school can be the enrolling school.
Rules that apply
- Full-time FLVS enrollment as a publicly funded student ends scholarship eligibility.
- Out-of-state online providers participate if FLDOE-approved.
What is not allowed
- Full-time virtual enrollment under PEP
In Hillsborough
Online courses suit Hillsborough families far from a campus that fits, or students who want a course their school doesn't offer. Some families use a full online program such as American Faith Academy (AmFaith); confirm any online provider's eligibility for your program with Step Up first.
How to buy it
Check MyScholarShop first (anything listed is pre-approved), then Find Providers in EMA for direct pay to tutors, therapists and instructors. Otherwise pay with a card, keep the itemized receipt and submit for reimbursement. Anything not listed as eligible needs a pre-authorization request before you buy; 2026-27 requests close May 28, 2027.
Build my child's spending plan →
Sources: FES-UA Purchasing Guide (FCSUA / Step Up For Students) with the 2026-27 summary of changes; PEP Purchasing Guide 2026-27; Step Up For Students "Program Handbooks and Purchasing Guides — Summary of Changes," revised September 16, 2026. Summaries, not legal advice; your SFO's handbook controls.