Florida Choice Scholarships PEP Purchasing Guide

Florida law requires Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs) like Step Up For Students to prepare purchasing handbooks that describe authorized uses of scholarship program funds. SFOs must update the handbooks at least annually, including a list of prohibited items and services and a list of items and services that require preauthorization or additional documentation.

These guidelines are intended to be general in nature and to assist parents and guardians to remain in compliance when making scholarship purchases. They are not intended to provide detailed instructions or to prescribe any particular educational programs.

General Purchasing Provisions

• Age-appropriate: Given the unique and varied needs of students participating in this scholarship program, age-appropriate evaluations are primarily focused on minimum age requirements for safety purposes.
• Cash Purchases: Cash payments to private sellers are not eligible for reimbursement.
• Educational Benefit: Products, practices, or services that support and advance student learning.
• Monetary Benefit, Refunds, & Rebates: Parents and guardians may not receive any payment, refund, or rebate of scholarship funds from a vendor or provider of any services.
• Out-of-State Activities: Out-of-state activities that meet general expense criteria are eligible with Pre-Authorization approval.
• Out-of-State Service Providers: With the exception of credentialed providers whose services may be delivered virtually, services must be delivered in the State of Florida.