Universal vouchers without accountability are unsustainable. Florida deserves better
“Two key questions for any public funding to K12 education: Are kids learning? Are our tax dollars being wisely invested and publicly reported? We can answer those questions for all public schools. We cannot answer them for the five billion dollars now spent on non-public education. Public money requires public accountability.” — Laura Hine, school board member and Educating Florida’s Future founder
The problem
Billions in public funds are directed to private entities with limited accreditation, no statewide testing, and weak financial oversight. This reduces transparency for taxpayers and stability for the public schools that serve most Florida students.
Since 2023, Universal School Vouchers in Florida have no academic or financial accountability:
- Total dollars projected
- No income limits
- Many schools unaccredited
- No statewide academic testing
- Minimal auditing
Florida's Voucher Expansion: The Financial Reality
State Tax Scholarship Program Costs
Two distinct eras: gradual growth with legacy programs (McKay + FTC + Gardiner) from 2006-2022, then explosive expansion with universal programs (FES-EO + FES-UA + FTC incl. PEP) from 2022-2026.
Florida is Facing a Deficit
State of Florida Long-Range Financial Outlook — Fall 2025 Report (As Adopted by the Legislative Budget Commission, September 12, 2025)
General Revenue Fund Outlook
| Item | FY 2026-27 | FY 2027-28 | FY 2028-29 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues Available | $52,196 | $53,123 | $54,535 |
| Unused Reserve from Prior Year | $9,132 | $5,802 | $2,072 |
| Critical Needs Budget Drivers | ($2,935) | ($2,588) | ($2,324) |
| Other Expenditures | ($51,758) | ($54,413) | ($58,710) |
| Projected Surplus / (Deficit) | $3,766 | ($1,526) | ($6,575) |
Note: Dollar amounts in millions
Significant Critical Needs Budget Drivers
| Driver | FY 2026-27 | FY 2027-28 | FY 2028-29 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Preparedness Fund (NEW) | $783.3 | $783.3 | $783.3 | $2,350.0 |
| Medicaid Program | $960.0 | $562.6 | $304.8 | $1,827.4 |
| Workload and Enrollment - Florida Education Finance Program | $474.2 | $476.7 | $474.0 | $1,424.9 |
| Employer-Paid Benefits for State Employees | $355.2 | $406.1 | $416.4 | $1,177.6 |
| Grand Total | $2,572.8 | $2,228.7 | $1,978.5 | $6,779.9 |
Note: Dollar amounts in millions
No, we cannot afford it.
Financial Oversight: A Mess
Public dollars with minimal accountability.
- $200M double-paid, $47M short FEFP in prior year
- 30,000 students & $270M discrepancies on any given day
- $400M sitting unused in accounts
- No required financial accountability
- Testing systems varied and incomparable
Are Students Learning?
For public schools, families know when schools struggle or succeed. With vouchers, the picture is unclear.
76% of private schools receiving vouchers are unaccredited by any academic agency.
- No required academic standards
- Teacher certification not required
- Testing varied and incomparable
The solution
Does EFF support school choice?
We support families and options. We believe public money must come with public accountability. Providing universal vouchers without accountability is not sustainable for Florida.
Do vouchers save money?
Universal vouchers with unchecked growth and limited reporting do not save the state money. We need guardrails and transparent accounting.
Do voucher schools meet the same
standards as public schools?
Generally not. The standards and reporting are not equivalent to what is required of public schools.
What is the impact of unlimited universal
vouchers on public schools?
Fewer resources and increased instability for the schools serving most Florida students.
