Every year, thousands of Florida families miss out on scholarship money that could pay for private tutoring — simply because they didn't know it existed. If your child is struggling in school, has a learning disability, or just needs extra support, Florida has programs designed to help you afford the one-on-one tutoring they deserve.

Here's a complete guide to the 8 scholarship programs available to Tampa Bay families — and how Tampa Bay Tutors works with each one.

1. Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-UA)

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options is one of Florida's most widely used programs. It provides funding for eligible K–12 students to attend private schools or receive approved educational services, including tutoring.

Who qualifies: Families with household income up to 400% of the federal poverty level, or students with certain special needs.

Benefit: Up to several thousand dollars per year deposited into a scholarship account you control.

2. Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Specifically designed for students with disabilities or special needs, this scholarship covers a wide range of educational services.

Who qualifies: Students with an IEP, 504 plan, or documented diagnosis such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, or other learning differences.

Benefit: Funds can be used for tutoring, therapy, curriculum, and more — giving families real flexibility.

3. Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship is administered by Step Up For Students and has helped over 100,000 Florida children access better educational options.

Who qualifies: Students from lower-income households, typically up to 260% of the federal poverty level.

Benefit: Covers private school tuition or approved educational services including tutoring.

4. Hope Scholarship

The Hope Scholarship was created to help students who have experienced bullying, harassment, or violence at a public school.

Who qualifies: Any K–12 public school student who has been the victim of a qualifying incident at school.

Benefit: Scholarship funds can be used for private school tuition or approved tutoring services.

5. Reading Scholarship Accounts (RSA)

Florida's Reading Scholarship Accounts target students in grades 3–5 who are reading below grade level.

Who qualifies: Students who scored Level 1 or Level 2 on the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) ELA or equivalent reading assessment.

Benefit: Funds are specifically earmarked for reading instruction and tutoring — a perfect fit for Tampa Bay Tutors' reading specialists.

6. Gardiner Scholarship

The Gardiner Scholarship (now merged into FES-UA) was one of Florida's first programs for students with special needs. Many families still refer to it by this name.

Who qualifies: Students with specific disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, spina bifida, Williams syndrome, or muscular dystrophy.

Benefit: Broad coverage for educational services, therapies, and tutoring tailored to the student's needs.

7. Personalized Education Program (PEP)

The Personalized Education Program is designed for homeschool families who want access to scholarship funding for educational resources.

Who qualifies: Students who are homeschooled and meet income or other eligibility criteria.

Benefit: Funds can be used for tutoring, curriculum, and other approved educational expenses.

8. Florida Empowerment Scholarship (Unique Abilities)

This broader umbrella program covers students with a wide range of documented learning challenges, ensuring that families have access to the support their children need regardless of school setting.

Who qualifies: Students with documented learning differences, disabilities, or special needs.

Benefit: Flexible funding for tutoring, therapy, and educational materials.

How Tampa Bay Tutors Works With Scholarship Programs

Tampa Bay Tutors is experienced in working with Florida scholarship families. Here's what you need to know:

• We accept scholarship funding for eligible tutoring services
• We provide documentation required by scholarship administrators
• We tailor sessions to meet IEP goals and individual learning plans
• We offer both in-person and Zoom tutoring to fit your schedule

Getting Started

If you think your child may qualify for one of these programs, the first step is to apply through the scholarship administrator — most programs are managed through Step Up For Students at stepupforstudents.org.

Once your scholarship is approved, contact Tampa Bay Tutors at (813) 340-1646 and we'll help you get started right away. Don't let funding be a barrier to the support your child deserves.