Last verified: October 2026
Can a Pinellas family pay for school fees, uniforms and books with scholarship funds?
At a private school the award pays tuition first, then a defined list of fees.
Unique Abilities (FES-UA)Eligible
Tuition and a broad list of school fees.
PEP (home-directed account)Conditional
Part-time and hybrid fees only; a PEP student can't be enrolled full time.
Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO)Eligible
Tuition and eligible fees, through quarterly enrollment in EMA.
Which rules apply?
- Ask the school which fees are scholarship-eligible before you budget.
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?
- Fundraising and giving fees
- Food fees
- Before- and after-school care
What should Pinellas families know?
Before choosing between two Pinellas schools, request each one's fee sheet split into scholarship-eligible and family-paid lines.
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.