Last verified: October 2026
Can a Pinellas family pay for online courses and virtual school with scholarship funds?
Florida separates self-paced online courses, live instruction from an approved online provider and full-time virtual school.
Approved online providers and online courses are payable.
Self-paced courses count as curriculum; full-time online school is not a PEP option.
The award can pay an approved online private school as the student's school.
Which rules apply?
- Confirm a provider's approval for your specific program before paying.
- Full-time public virtual enrollment ends scholarship eligibility.
What is allowed and what isn't
| Allowed | Not allowed | |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Yes | — |
| PEP (home-directed account) | Yes | — |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Yes | — |
What is excluded?
- Full-time virtual school under PEP
What should Pinellas families know?
Online options help families in north county or on the beaches who can't find a nearby campus that fits. American Faith Academy (AmFaith), an online Christian school, is one some families weigh; ask Step Up whether it qualifies under the program you hold before enrolling.
How is it paid?
Look in Step Up's marketplace first, then pay an approved provider directly from the account; otherwise pay by card, keep the itemized receipt and request reimbursement. Anything not clearly eligible needs pre-authorization before you buy.
Related questions
Summary only, not legal advice; your scholarship organization's handbook controls.