How to Use the Florida PEP Scholarship —
Complete 2026 Guide
Everything Florida homeschool families need to know about PEP ESA funds — what's approved, how reimbursement works, how to apply, and how to use PEP for curriculum, tutoring, and music lessons.
What Is the Florida PEP Scholarship?
The Personalized Education Program (PEP) Scholarship is Florida's education savings account (ESA) for homeschool families. Here's what it is, how it works, and the one important tradeoff to understand before applying.
It's an Education Savings Account
PEP is an ESA — not a voucher and not a direct payment. Florida deposits funds into an account that you access through your SFO's scholarship management portal. You purchase approved items and submit for reimbursement. Money goes to vendors and providers, not to your bank account.
~$8,000 Average Award
The award amount is based on the state's per-student funding formula and varies by grade level. Awards for 2025–26 and 2026–27 generally range from approximately $7,600 to $11,900 depending on grade level. Check your SFO for your county's current award amount.
Two Approved SFOs
Florida uses Scholarship Funding Organizations to administer PEP. Step Up for Students is at capacity for new 2026–27 students. AAA Scholarship Foundation has confirmed open capacity — apply there if you're new. Both SFOs follow the same rules and expense guidelines.
The Legal Tradeoff
Accepting PEP means leaving the Home Education Statute pathway (§1002.41) and registering with your SFO instead. You file a Letter of Termination with your county superintendent. You can no longer use the Home Education Statute pathway while on PEP. This is the most important thing to understand before applying.
Annual Requirements Added
PEP adds three annual requirements that don't otherwise apply to Florida homeschoolers: (1) a Student Learning Plan (SLP) submitted to your SFO, (2) an annual norm-referenced standardized test, and (3) a sworn compliance statement. Many families find the $8,000 more than justifies these additions.
Governed by §1002.395
PEP operates under Florida Statute §1002.395 — a completely separate law from the Home Education Statute §1002.41. Understanding the difference between these two pathways is essential before deciding whether PEP is right for your family.
What Can PEP Scholarship Funds Pay For?
This is the question most Florida homeschool families ask first — and the answer is broader than most people realize. Here is every approved expense category.
✅ Approved PEP Expenses
- Curriculum, textbooks, and workbooks
- Private tutoring — including music lessons
- Online learning programs and courses
- Community college dual enrollment tuition
- Standardized testing and assessment fees
- Educational therapies (speech, OT, reading)
- Computer hardware — capped at 10% of annual award
- Educational software and apps
- Instructional materials and supplies
- Transportation to approved educational providers
- Fees for homeschool co-op classes
- Musical instruments (as instructional materials — confirm with SFO)
❌ Not Covered by PEP
- Paying a family member for tutoring or services
- General household expenses
- Food, clothing, or personal care items
- Non-educational entertainment or activities
- College tuition (beyond dual enrollment)
- Cash payments of any kind — all purchases through your SFO's portal
- Retroactive purchases made before enrollment
- Items not pre-approved or listed in SFO guidelines
How PEP Reimbursement Works
PEP does not give you money upfront. You purchase approved items, then submit receipts for reimbursement through your SFO's scholarship management portal. Here is exactly how the process works.
Enroll and access your SFO's portal
Once approved for PEP, you receive access to your SFO's scholarship management portal. Step Up families use the EMA (Education Market Assistant) — which includes MyScholarShop, a direct purchase option where the SFO pays approved vendors so you don't pay upfront first. AAA families use the SMP (Scholarship Management Platform) for reimbursements, SLP submission, and account management. Bookmark your portal and get familiar with it before making any purchases — wrong categories or missing receipt information are the most common causes of denied reimbursements.
Make your purchase
Purchase an approved item or service — curriculum, a tutoring session, an online program, etc. Use your own money at point of sale. Keep the receipt. Do not pay cash — always get a receipt showing the vendor name, amount, date, and description.
Submit through your SFO's portal
Log into your SFO's portal (EMA/MyScholarShop for Step Up, or the AAA platform) and submit your receipt for reimbursement. Upload a photo or scan of the receipt, categorize the expense, and submit. Make sure the expense category matches an approved PEP expense type.
Wait for approval
Your SFO reviews the submission. Most reimbursements are processed within 2–4 weeks. You will receive a notification when approved. If denied, you will receive a reason — common denials include wrong category, missing receipt information, or the vendor is not approved.
Receive reimbursement
Approved reimbursements are paid directly to you via check or direct deposit depending on your SFO's payment method. Funds come from your ESA account balance — track your remaining balance in your SFO portal throughout the year.
Keep records all year
Maintain organized records of every purchase, receipt, and reimbursement. Keep organized records of every purchase and receipt throughout the year. Digital copies organized by month work well.
How to Apply for the Florida PEP Scholarship
For 2026–27, new families must apply through AAA Scholarship Foundation — Step Up for Students is at capacity. Here is the complete application process.
Confirm eligibility
Your child must be a Florida K–12 resident not enrolled full-time in a public school. There is no income limit for PEP — all income levels are eligible, though lower-income families receive priority in the funding process. Children with qualifying disabilities may also be eligible for the higher FES-UA scholarship.
Apply through AAA Scholarship Foundation
Go to aaascholarships.org and complete the online application. You will need: your child's name, date of birth, Florida residency documentation, and current school enrollment status. The application is free.
File a Letter of Termination
Once approved, file a Letter of Termination ending your Home Education Program with your county superintendent. This is a simple letter stating you are terminating your home education program as of a specific date. You cannot be on both PEP and the Home Education Statute simultaneously.
Submit your Student Learning Plan
Within the required timeframe after approval, submit your Student Learning Plan (SLP) to AAA. The SLP is a parent-written document outlining your child's educational goals and the services you plan to purchase. See Section 5 for details on writing the SLP.
Access your SFO's portal and begin purchasing
Once your SLP is accepted, you receive access to your SFO's scholarship management portal and your ESA funds become available. Begin purchasing approved educational materials and services and submitting receipts for reimbursement.
Complete annual requirements each year
Each year you remain on PEP: (1) update and submit your SLP, (2) administer an approved standardized test and submit results, and (3) sign the annual sworn compliance statement. Miss any of these and your scholarship may be suspended.
The Student Learning Plan (SLP)
The Student Learning Plan is a parent-written document you submit to your SFO each year. It outlines your child's educational goals and the goods and services you plan to purchase. It is not a detailed lesson plan — it is a planning document.
What to Include
Your child's educational goals for the year, the subjects or areas of focus, the types of goods and services you plan to purchase, and any special needs or accommodations. It does not need to be long — a clear, organized 1–2 page document is standard.
Adding Music to Your SLP
Include music education as a line item in your SLP. Example: "Fine Arts — Music: Student will receive private instrument instruction through online tutoring ($90/month). Structured online lessons via Practicing Musician (free platform) will supplement private instruction." This justifies both your tutoring and platform expenses.
When to Submit
Submit your SLP to your SFO within the timeframe they specify — typically within 30 days of scholarship approval for new families, and annually by your renewal date for continuing families. Check your SFO's specific deadline.
PEP Testing Requirements
PEP families must administer an approved norm-referenced standardized test annually and submit results to their SFO. This is a requirement that does not apply to families under the Home Education Statute.
Which Grades Require Testing
Testing is required for all PEP students in grades K–12. Your SFO specifies which approved tests are accepted and the submission deadline for results each year.
AAA Testing GuidelinesApproved Tests
Commonly approved tests include the Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, CAT (California Achievement Test), and other nationally normed assessments. Your SFO provides the current approved list — confirm before purchasing a test.
Step Up Testing InfoFinding a Test Administrator
Tests must be administered by a qualified evaluator — typically a Florida-certified teacher. Your local FPEA support group directory is a good source for finding approved test administrators in your county.
FPEA Group DirectorySubmitting Results
After testing, submit the official results report to your SFO by their specified deadline. Keep a copy for your records. Results are used for compliance tracking — your child does not need to achieve a specific score.
AAA Scholarship FoundationUsing PEP Funds for Music Lessons
Music instruction is one of the best uses of PEP funds. Private music tutoring qualifies under PEP's tutoring expense category — and free online lessons from Practicing Musician mean you can stretch your PEP dollars further.
Practicing Musician Private Lessons
Practicing Musician's private lesson program qualifies as private tutoring under PEP's approved expense categories. The model is built around up-to-date learning research — teachers assign short video tutorials and exercises through the LMS, students practice independently between sessions, then meet for efficient 10-minute feedback sessions where the teacher reviews progress and assigns next steps.
- $90/month for 4 live feedback sessions with expert instructors
- Qualifies as private tutoring under PEP approved expenses
- Submit monthly receipts through your SFO's portal for reimbursement
- Include in your Student Learning Plan under Fine Arts / Music
- 15 instruments — band and orchestra covered
- Available to all Florida homeschool families statewide
- No pre-registration required — use the reimbursement method: pay monthly, upload receipt to your SFO portal
- Receipt should show: student name, date, amount, and "Private music tutoring — [instrument]"
Free Platform — No PEP Needed
Practicing Musician's full online platform is free for all Florida homeschool families — no PEP funds required. Use your PEP budget for private lesson sessions and let the free platform handle daily structured practice and lesson content.
- 3,500+ structured video lessons across 15 instruments
- Sequential curriculum — portfolio-ready documentation
- Complements private lessons — students practice between sessions
- Free forever — no subscription, no credit card
- Works statewide — no in-person requirement
- Built-in lesson tracking for portfolio and SLP documentation
How to Use PEP for Music — Checklist
Follow these steps to use your PEP funds for music instruction.
No — and this is one of the most common questions families ask. Here is how it works:
Free platform (3,500+ lessons): No PEP funds involved — it is completely free. No portal registration needed.
Private lessons ($90/month): Pay out of pocket, then submit your receipt through your SFO portal for reimbursement. Practicing Musician does not need to be a pre-registered "direct pay" vendor for this to work. The reimbursement method is available for any qualified tutoring provider.
For smooth reimbursement, make sure your receipt from Practicing Musician shows: student name, date, amount, and a description such as "Private music tutoring — [instrument]." Submit under the Tutoring or Instructional Services category in your SFO portal. Include music lessons in your Student Learning Plan under Fine Arts / Music before submitting your first receipt.
- Add music to your SLP under Fine Arts / Music — Private Tutoring
- Pay your $90/month lesson fee to Practicing Musician
- Get a receipt showing: student name, date, amount, and "Private music tutoring — [instrument]"
- Log into your SFO portal (EMA for Step Up · SMP for AAA)
- Upload receipt under the Tutoring or Instructional Services category
- Include lesson screenshots from the PM platform as supporting documentation
Practicing Musician does not need to be pre-registered on the SFO portal — the reimbursement method works for any qualified tutoring provider. No direct-pay or marketplace vendor status required.
PEP vs. Home Education Statute — Which Is Right for You?
PEP and the Home Education Statute are two completely separate legal pathways. You cannot be on both at the same time. Here is a direct comparison to help you decide.
Home Education Statute (§1002.41)
- File Notice of Intent with county superintendent
- Maintain portfolio — activity log + work samples
- Annual evaluation — 5 options, parent chooses
- No required subjects, curriculum, or grade standards
- No standardized testing required
- No financial reporting required
- No SFO involvement
- No funding provided
- Maximum flexibility and privacy
PEP Scholarship (§1002.395)
- Register with approved SFO (AAA or Step Up)
- Submit Student Learning Plan annually to SFO
- Annual norm-referenced standardized test required
- Annual sworn compliance statement required
- Annual financial audit by Florida Comptroller
- All purchases through your SFO's portal platform only
- Cannot pay family members for services
- ~$8,000/year for approved educational expenses
- Letter of Termination required to leave PEP
Florida PEP Scholarship FAQ
The questions Florida homeschool families ask most about the PEP scholarship — answered directly.
What can Florida PEP scholarship funds pay for?▼
PEP funds cover a broad range of approved educational expenses including curriculum and textbooks, private tutoring (including music lessons), online learning programs, community college dual enrollment, standardized testing fees, educational therapies, computer hardware (capped at 10% of the annual award), educational software, instructional materials, and transportation to approved educational providers. Funds cannot be used for household expenses, food, clothing, cash payments, or paying a family member.
How does PEP reimbursement work?▼
PEP is a reimbursement model — you purchase approved items with your own money, then submit receipts through your SFO's scholarship management portal for reimbursement from your ESA account. You do not receive funds upfront. Most reimbursements are processed within 2–4 weeks of submission. All purchases must go through your SFO's scholarship management portal — cash payments are not reimbursable.
Can PEP pay for music lessons?▼
Yes. Private music tutoring qualifies under PEP's approved tutoring expense category. Practicing Musician's private lesson option ($90/month, 4 sessions with expert instructors) qualifies as private tutoring. Include music in your Student Learning Plan, purchase lessons, keep your monthly receipt, and submit through your SFO's portal under the tutoring category. Funds cannot be used to pay a family member for instruction.
What is your SFO's scholarship management portal?▼
your SFO's portal is Florida's state-administered ESA marketplace and reimbursement portal. Once approved for PEP, you receive access to your SFO's portal to submit receipts, track your account balance, and manage your scholarship. All PEP purchases and reimbursements must go through your SFO's portal — you cannot receive cash or make purchases outside the platform.
Does PEP require standardized testing?▼
Yes. PEP families must administer an approved norm-referenced standardized test annually for all students and submit results to their SFO. This is one of the requirements that does not apply to Florida families under the Home Education Statute. Your SFO provides the list of approved tests and submission deadlines.
What is a Student Learning Plan and what does it need to include?▼
The Student Learning Plan (SLP) is a parent-written document submitted to your SFO annually that outlines your child's educational goals and the goods and services you plan to purchase with PEP funds. It does not need to be a detailed lesson plan — a clear 1–2 page document describing your approach, subjects, and planned purchases is standard. Include music under Fine Arts if you plan to use PEP for music instruction.
Can I switch back to the Home Education Statute after using PEP?▼
Yes. You can leave PEP and return to the Home Education Statute pathway at any time by filing a Letter of Termination with your SFO and a new Notice of Intent with your county superintendent. Your PEP funds stop when you leave. Consult FPEA or HSLDA Florida before switching pathways to make sure you complete the process correctly.
My Step Up application was denied — what do I do?▼
Apply directly through AAA Scholarship Foundation — the second state-approved SFO for PEP. AAA has confirmed open capacity for 2026–27. The AAA application deadline is April 30, 2026. Go to aaascholarships.org to apply. If you miss the 2026–27 window entirely, sign up for the 2027–28 interest list at Step Up for Students.
Free music education — works with or without PEP
Whether you're on PEP or the Home Education Statute, Practicing Musician provides free structured music lessons across 15 instruments for every Florida homeschool family — with PEP-eligible private lessons available statewide.
Get Started Free — It's Free →Free forever · 3,500+ lessons · 15 instruments · K–adult · PEP-eligible private lessons $90/month
Florida Homeschool Guide 2025–26
The complete guide to Florida homeschool laws, associations, co-ops, and all three legal pathways.
Read the Florida Hub →Florida Homeschool Fine Arts Credit with Free Online Music
How Florida homeschool families earn fine arts credit through music — documentation, credit hours, and PEP funding.
Read the Fine Arts Guide →Florida Homeschool Portfolio Requirements — 2026 Guide
What Florida law requires in your portfolio, sample log entries, and how to document music for evaluators.
Read the Portfolio Guide →
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