Florida’s school choice scholarship programs now serve more than 500,000 students, Governor Ron DeSantis announced in January 2025, marking a significant expansion since the state implemented universal eligibility three years ago.

In March 2023, Florida eliminated income-eligibility requirements for its private school scholarship programs, making all K-12 students eligible for taxpayer-backed scholarships. The change followed House Bill 1, which removed financial restrictions and enrollment caps.

More than 524,000 scholarships were awarded under various programs for the 2024-25 school year, including the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship programs. An additional 30,000 students receive New Worlds Scholarship Accounts for tutoring and supplemental support.

State funding diverted to private school vouchers increased from 12% in 2021 to 24% in 2025, according to the Florida Policy Institute. The organization reports that $3.8 billion in public school funds will be directed toward vouchers during the current school year, compared to $1.4 billion in 2022.

About 69% of students new to using vouchers were already enrolled in private schools, according to Step Up for Students, which administers the scholarships. Critics say this indicates the program primarily subsidizes families already paying for private education rather than expanding access for lower-income students.

Public education advocates challenge whether true “school choice” exists if vouchers don’t cover full tuition at higher-performing private schools. The Florida Education Association reports that public schools face larger class sizes and fewer programs due to funding redirections.

Supporters maintain that the programs give families educational options. In total, nearly 1.4 million students utilize some form of school choice in Florida, including charter schools and public school choice options.

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