Exploring School Choice in Florida: Empowering Families with Options

Florida has established itself as a leader in the school choice movement, providing families with a diverse array of educational options tailored to meet their children's unique needs. These options include traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet programs, private schools, virtual education, and homeschooling.

Public School Options

Open Enrollment

Implemented in 2016, this policy allows students to attend any public school in the state, regardless of residential boundaries, provided there is available capacity.

Controlled Open Enrollment (COE)

COE permits students to attend public schools outside their assigned attendance zones, even in different districts, as long as the school has available space. As of the 2022–23 school year, over 272,000 students took advantage of COE, with nearly 6,000 crossing district lines. Each district manages its COE process individually, so parents must follow local guidelines and typically provide their own transportation.

Magnet Schools and Academies

These specialized institutions focus on specific disciplines such as science, technology, the arts, or vocational training, enabling students to pursue their interests in depth.

Charter Schools

Operating independently of traditional school district regulations, charter schools offer innovative curricula and teaching methods. As of the 2024–25 academic year, Florida has more than 720 charter schools serving approximately 11.7% of all K–12 students.

Private School Scholarships

Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)

Allows corporations to receive tax credits for donations that fund scholarships for low-income students.

Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES)

Offers vouchers to eligible students. In 2023, income-eligibility requirements were removed, making all students eligible to apply for state-funded scholarships.

McKay and Gardiner Scholarships

Designed for students with disabilities, these programs provide funding for private school tuition, therapies, and educational materials.

Hope Scholarship

Helps students who have experienced bullying or harassment by providing funds to attend private schools or transfer to another public school.

Virtual Education

Florida Virtual School (FLVS)

Operating since 1997, FLVS offers flexible, state-accredited online courses for students across Florida.

District Virtual Instruction Programs

Many school districts offer their own virtual programs tailored to meet community needs.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling remains a popular choice in Florida. Families choosing this route must notify their district superintendent, maintain a portfolio of materials, and provide an annual evaluation. Homeschool participation has grown significantly in recent years.

Recent Developments (2025 Update)

In January 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida had surpassed 500,000 students enrolled in the state's school choice scholarship programs. Additionally, over 30,000 students are now using the New Worlds Scholarship Accounts Program, and more than 18,000 students benefit from the new transportation stipend introduced by House Bill 1 (2023).

However, the rapid growth of these programs carries financial implications. Analysts estimate the cost of school vouchers for the 2024–25 school year will reach approximately $3.9 billion.

Conclusion

Florida's commitment to school choice reflects a dedication to empowering families with the freedom to select educational environments that best fit their children's needs. By offering a wide range of options—from public and private schools to virtual education and homeschooling—Florida is creating an academic landscape where every student has the opportunity to thrive.