What's the difference between schools that work well with FES-EO versus FTC scholarships?
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What FES-EO and FTC scholarships are
Florida offers two main state scholarships for families who choose a school outside the public system: the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC). Both are administered through the state's official scholarship system, and both can be used at participating private schools in Florida.
This guide does not have the exact statutes, dollar amounts, or eligibility rules for each scholarship. Those numbers change and should be confirmed with the agency that manages the program before you rely on them.
Why a school can work well with one scholarship but not the other
Not every private school accepts every scholarship. A school may be approved for FTC but not yet approved for FES-EO, or the other way around. A school's participation status, its tuition, and its own policies on scholarship students can change from year to year.
- Ask the school directly which scholarships it currently accepts.
- Ask whether the school's tuition and fees are fully covered by the scholarship amount, or whether your family would owe a difference.
- Ask whether the school has experience processing FES-EO or FTC paperwork, since the steps can differ.
Questions that separate schools that truly work with your scholarship
- Is the school currently listed as an approved participant for your specific scholarship (FES-EO or FTC)?
- Does the school require any additional testing, fees, or enrollment steps beyond what the scholarship covers?
- Will the school confirm participation in writing before you commit?
- Does the school serve your child's grade level and any specific needs your child has?
What the award does and doesn't cover
This material does not include a specific list of covered and non-covered expenses for FES-EO or FTC. Coverage can include tuition and certain fees, but exact categories, caps, and any per-student amounts are set by the state and can change each year.
Because these details matter for your family's budget, confirm current coverage rules directly with the agency that manages the scholarship before you enroll.
What to do next
This is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Always confirm current rules, participating-school lists, and coverage details with the agency that manages FES-EO and FTC before making a decision.
The free tool that goes with this guide can read your own county, grade, and scholarship details and help you search the official school directories for schools that match. It does not replace confirmation from the school or the agency, but it can help you organize the questions above before you call.