How to Get the PEP Scholarship in Florida: Application Tips from a Homeschool Mama Who’s Been There

If you’re sitting at your kitchen table wondering how on earth you’re going to afford all those beautiful living books, hands-on math manipulatives, and nature study supplies for your homeschool—friend, I’ve been there. When I first heard about the Florida PEP scholarship (that’s the Personalized Education Program, formerly known as the Family Empowerment Scholarship), I had about a hundred questions and no idea where to start. Now that we’ve been using it for our elementary-age kiddos, I want to share everything I wish someone had told me from the beginning.

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What Is the Florida PEP Scholarship?

The PEP scholarship is Florida’s education savings account program that provides funds for families who want to direct their children’s education outside of traditional public school. For homeschoolers like us, it’s been an absolute game-changer. The funds can be used for curriculum, educational materials, tutoring, therapies, and even some extracurricular programs.

Here in Florida, we’re incredibly fortunate to have this option. Not every state supports homeschool families this way, and I don’t take it for granted. The scholarship is administered through Step Up For Students, and the application process—while it has a few steps—is completely doable once you know what to expect.

Who Qualifies for the PEP Scholarship?

Before you dive into the application, let’s make sure your family is eligible. As of the most recent updates, basically all Florida students K-12 now qualify for the PEP scholarship regardless of income. This is relatively new—it used to be income-based, but the program has expanded significantly.

Your child needs to be a Florida resident and school-age (kindergarten through 12th grade). If you’re already registered as a homeschool family with your county, you’re on the right track. If you haven’t done that yet, that’s actually your first step before applying for PEP.

Step-by-Step Application Tips

1. Register as a Homeschool First

This trips up a lot of new homeschool families. Before you can use the PEP scholarship as a homeschooler, you need to have your letter of intent filed with your local school district. Here in the Pensacola area, that means sending your notice to Escambia or Santa Rosa County, depending on where you live. Keep a copy of your confirmation—you’ll need to reference it.

2. Gather Your Documents Early

Don’t wait until you’re sitting in front of the application to hunt down paperwork. You’ll need:

• Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement)
• Your child’s birth certificate or proof of age
• Your homeschool registration confirmation
• Social Security numbers for both parent and child

I keep a dedicated folder (the actual paper kind, because some things are better old school) with all our homeschool documents. It saves so much scrambling when applications or evaluations come around.

3. Apply Through Step Up For Students

The application itself is done online through the Step Up For Students website. Create your account, fill in your information, and upload those documents you gathered. The system walks you through it, but take your time. I made the mistake of rushing through our first application and had to go back and fix errors.

One tip: apply early in the application window. There’s been high demand for these scholarships, and while the program has grown, applying sooner rather than later gives you peace of mind and more time to troubleshoot if something comes up with your paperwork.

4. Be Patient with the Approval Process

After you submit, there’s a waiting period while they verify everything. This can take several weeks, sometimes longer during busy seasons. Don’t panic if you don’t hear back immediately. You can check your application status through your Step Up account.

5. Learn the ClassWallet System

Once approved, your funds are loaded into a ClassWallet account. This is where you’ll actually make purchases. There’s a learning curve here—certain items are approved, others aren’t, and you’ll need to get familiar with what qualifies. Curriculum, books, educational supplies, and many manipulatives are typically covered.

We’ve used our PEP funds for everything from our Math-U-See curriculum to quality art supplies like Faber-Castell watercolors for our nature journals. The key is checking that vendors are approved in ClassWallet before you make a purchase.

What We Buy with PEP Funds

I know everyone wants to know the practical stuff—what can you actually get? Here’s a peek at some of our purchases:

Curriculum and Books: Most of our Charlotte Mason-style resources qualify. We love ordering from Rainbow Resource and Timberdoodle—both work with the ClassWallet system, which makes purchasing simple.

Nature Study Supplies: Our Sibley Birds field guide was a PEP purchase, along with a pocket microscope that my kids have used to examine everything from chicken feathers to pond water. Science supplies like these are generally approved and make our outdoor learning so much richer.

Educational Manipulatives: Hands-on math tools, spelling tiles, anything that supports actual learning rather than just worksheets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Assume Everything Is Approved

Just because something seems educational doesn’t mean it’s covered. I’ve seen homeschool moms frustrated because their purchase was rejected. When in doubt, check the approved vendor and item lists before buying.

Keep Your Receipts and Records

Even though purchases go through ClassWallet, keep your own records. Screenshot confirmations, save email receipts, and document what you’re buying. If there’s ever a question about a purchase, you’ll be glad you have backup.

Don’t Forget About Re-enrollment

The PEP scholarship isn’t a one-and-done deal. You’ll need to re-enroll each year to continue receiving funds. Mark your calendar and watch for emails from Step Up For Students about renewal windows.

Is the PEP Scholarship Right for Your Family?

Honestly? For our family, it’s been a blessing. It’s allowed us to invest in quality, living books and real educational tools without feeling the pinch. My kids are outside more than they’re in front of screens. They help with the chickens, they run barefoot in the backyard with the dog, and they’re learning in a way that feels natural and unhurried.

But I also know some families prefer to keep their homeschool completely separate from any state-connected funding, and I respect that. There are requirements—annual evaluations, using approved vendors—that come with accepting these funds. For us, the trade-off is worth it. For others, it might not be.

You’ve Got This, Mama

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the application process, take a breath. Pour yourself some coffee (or sweet tea, this is Florida after all), and tackle it one step at a time. The PEP scholarship has opened up so many possibilities for our little homeschool—more nature guides, better art supplies, curriculum that actually fits how our kids learn.

And at the end of the day, that’s what this is all about, right? Giving our kids a childhood full of wonder, curiosity, and the freedom to learn in a way that makes sense for them. The paperwork is just the doorway to get there.

If you have questions about the process or want to share your own PEP tips, drop a comment below. We’re all figuring this out together.