Families may decline a scholarship at any time. However, scholarship switches are only permitted during approved scholarship switch windows and may only be completed once per school year.

Scholarship switch windows and deadlines are established each school year. Review the current scholarship schedule for available switch windows, application deadlines and acceptance deadlines.

Before requesting a scholarship switch, carefully review the information below.

Window 1: Prior to Quarter 1

Families considering a different scholarship opportunity for their students in Quarter 1, must act before their student is presented for Quarter 1 funding. If a student is presented to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) for Quarter 1 funding consideration through their current scholarship, they cannot switch scholarship programs until Window 2.

How to Switch Scholarships During Window 1

To switch from the Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) or Personalized Education Program (FTCPEP) to the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA), or vice versa:

Families who would like to switch between these scholarship programs should review and complete the steps below.

1. Decline the current scholarship.
2. Complete and submit the new scholarship application.
3. If the student is found eligible, accept the scholarship by the applicable deadline.
4. Review the requirements for the scholarship program, as each scholarship has its own requirements and deadlines that must be met for your student to be considered for funding.

Note: If a student is pending enrollment or enrolled in an eligible private school through EMA, the school must withdraw the student before the parent/guardian can decline the scholarship and apply for a new scholarship.

All switch requests are subject to program availability. Students are not eligible to switch to the PEP Scholarship Program after the April 30, 2026, application deadline.

To switch from PEP to a Private School Scholarship, or vice versa:

• Families who would like to switch between these scholarship programs should not decline their student's scholarship in EMA. Instead, they should call Step Up For Students at 1-877-735-7837 to initiate the scholarship switch process with an agent.
• The switch must be completed by the deadline announced for the current scholarship switch window.
• Additional requirements and deadlines may apply in order for a student to be considered for funding.

All switch requests are subject to program availability. Students are not eligible to switch to the PEP Scholarship Program after the April 30, 2026, application deadline.

Window 2: Prior to Quarter 3

Families whose students were presented for funding consideration in Quarter 1 and/or Quarter 2 and are interested in switching to a different scholarship for Quarter 3 may be eligible to switch during the second window.

During the second switch window, a student's current scholarship remains active through Quarter 2. Funding already distributed to the student’s account for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 will not be affected, provided all scholarship switch requirements are completed.

Before Requesting a Scholarship Switch:

• If a student has been presented for funding through their current scholarship, they cannot return to that scholarship during that school year once a switch is submitted.
• This applies even if the parent/guardian does not complete the requirements for the new scholarship or the student is later found ineligible.
• Confirm the student meets all eligibility, application, and enrollment requirements for the new scholarship.
• Ensure all required eligibility documentation is current, complete, and valid, including any required diagnosis documentation for the Unique Abilities Scholarship.
• If the student is enrolled in an eligible private school through EMA, the school must withdraw the student before the parent/guardian can apply for a new scholarship or submit a scholarship change request.
• Students identified as being physically present at a public school at any time during the school year may ultimately be found ineligible for a scholarship and/or funding.
• Submitting an application for a new scholarship does not guarantee funding.
• To complete a scholarship switch, you must submit a scholarship switch request and apply for the new scholarship. Both steps are required. If only one step is completed, the student will not receive funding under the new scholarship.

How to Switch Scholarships During Window 2

To switch from the Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) or Personalized Education Program (FTCPEP) to the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA), or vice versa:

Families who would like to switch between these scholarship programs should review and complete the steps below:

1. Make sure all required eligibility documentation is current, complete and valid.
2. If applicable: If a student has a pending enrollment or is enrolled in an eligible private school through EMA, the parent/guardian should contact the school to request a withdrawal. The school must enter December 31, 2026, as the student's Last Day of Class on the Student Withdrawal Form.
3. Log in to EMA and go to the student's current scholarship application.
4. Select Decline or Switch Scholarship and follow the scholarship switch prompts.
   After you submit a switch request, your student’s scholarship status will change to Program Change. Once you apply for the new scholarship program, your student’s status will update as the new application is processed.
5. Complete and submit an application for the new scholarship.
   Note: If you are adding a student to an existing application, the parent/guardian must add the student on the Application Details page. The application must be in an On Hold or Complete status before the student can be added.
6. Monitor the parent/guardian’s EMA account and promptly provide any requested information or documentation.
7. If applicable: If a student's new scholarship choice is confirmed and the student plans to enroll, or is required to enroll, in an eligible private school through EMA, the school must enroll the student under the new scholarship program. To allow the student to utilize the new scholarship in Quarter 3, the enrollment must have a Start Date of January 1, 2027.

To switch from PEP to a Private School Scholarship:

• Families who would like to switch from the PEP Scholarship to a Private School Scholarship should not decline their student's scholarship in EMA. Instead, they should call Step Up For Students at 1-877-735-7837 to initiate the scholarship switch process with an agent.
• The switch must be completed by the deadline announced for the current scholarship switch window. Additional requirements and deadlines may apply in order for a student to be considered for funding.

Students are not eligible to switch to the PEP Scholarship Program after the April 30, 2026, application deadline.