TL;DR: Broward families have three dates close together: the program-switch window closes October 30, new applications close November 15, and new students must accept in EMA by December 15. The Broward award is $8,494, $7,896 or $7,701 depending on grade.
What closes on October 30, 2026 for Broward families?
The fall window for switching between the Private School Scholarship, Unique Abilities and PEP closes on October 30, 2026. It opened October 2, and it lets all students change programs before Quarter 3 funding, with the note that students presented for Quarter 1 cannot switch until after Quarter 2.
Switching from the Private School Scholarship or Unique Abilities to PEP is different, because it had to be done by the April 30 PEP deadline. A family that wants PEP now should plan for the next application season.
When is the Florida scholarship deadline for new Broward applicants?
A first-time applicant has until November 15, 2026 to request the 2026-27 Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) or the Unique Abilities Scholarship. New PEP applications are shut for 2026-27, since that window ran from February 1 through April 30.
Step Up adds that certain Private School and PEP students may still apply through April 15, 2027, with follow-up items due May 15, 2027, though money is not promised once the main deadlines pass.
What does the Broward award cover in dollars?
The Private School Scholarship pays $8,494 in K-3, $7,896 in grades 4-8 and $7,701 in grades 9-12 for a Broward resident. FES-UA pays $9,865 to $10,658 at the standard level. These are yearly figures paid in installments, and the school's tuition is set separately, so the balance after the award depends on the school you choose.
What happens after a Broward family applies?
Acceptance of the award is due December 15, 2026. For the Private School Scholarship, the school also files the enrollment and the parent approves it in EMA by that same Quarter 3 date. Anyone still without an EMA private school enrollment after the deadline gets one last window, closing January 15, 2027, to stay in line for 2026-27 funds.
Quarter 4 enrollment for students moving from one funded private school to another closes February 15, 2027. Unique Abilities and PEP students do not need school-submitted EMA enrollment.
| Date | What it means for a Broward family |
|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2026 | Last day of the fall program-switch window |
| Nov 15, 2026 | New Private School and FES-UA applications close |
| Dec 15, 2026 | New students accept; Quarter 3 enrollment due |
| Jan 15, 2027 | Last enrollment date for any 2026-27 money |
| Feb 15, 2027 | Quarter 4 transfer enrollment closes |
Who goes first if money runs short for Broward applicants?
Step Up funds renewing Private School Scholarship students first, then households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level or in foster or out-of-home care, then households between 186% and 400%. The 2026-27 income chart shows the dollar lines by household size, based on guidelines published in January 2026.
| People in household | Up to 185% (priority 1) | Up to 400% (priority 2) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $40,034 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $177,440 |
Priority only matters if requests exceed funding. There is no income ceiling on eligibility, and a family above 400% can still apply.
How do new and renewing Broward students differ?
A renewing student was funded in Quarter 4 of the previous year for the same scholarship, and a new student was not.
| Question | New student | Renewing student |
|---|---|---|
| Application window | Feb 1 to Nov 15 (Private School, FES-UA) | Feb 1 to Apr 30 |
| Accept by | Dec 15 (Private School, FES-UA) | May 31 |
| Funding order | After renewals | First |
A renewing family that misses a renewal deadline is treated as new for priority purposes.
What should a Broward family do this week?
With the switch window ending October 30 and the application deadline on November 15, a family that has not applied has about two and a half weeks. The most useful order of work is short.
- Choose the school or program you would use, and confirm it has a seat.
- Create or sign in to your Step Up parent account and submit the application with the child's details.
- Gather proof of address and, if you have one, an IEP or diagnosis letter for FES-UA.
- Watch for the acceptance notice and accept the award by December 15.
- Ask the school to submit the enrollment in EMA if you chose the Private School Scholarship.
Step Up funding depends on the state's own timeline, so keep copies of every confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
What closes on October 30, 2026 for Broward families?
The fall window to switch between the Private School Scholarship, Unique Abilities and PEP closes October 30, 2026.
When is the Florida scholarship deadline for new Broward applicants?
November 15, 2026 for the Private School Scholarship and Unique Abilities.
What happens after a Broward family applies?
New students accept the award by December 15, 2026, and the school submits Private School Scholarship enrollment in EMA for parent approval.
Who goes first if money runs short for Broward applicants?
Renewing students, then households at or below 185% of poverty or in foster care, then 186% to 400%.
What should a Broward family do this week?
Choose a school, submit the Step Up application, gather documents and plan to accept the award by December 15.
Related questions
- What are all the 2026-27 Florida scholarship dates?
- How does Step Up For Students work for Broward?
- How much will my family receive?
- How do I start the funding check?
Sources
- Step Up For Students, 2026-27 scholarship deadlines and payment schedules FAQ
- Step Up For Students, 2026-27 income priority guidelines (PDF)
- Step Up For Students, 2026-27 scholarship amounts by district (PDF)
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