Become an ESA vendor in Florida
Florida Step Up · paid through Step Up (EMA). The registration picture, cited to the program’s own paper. Free, no account needed.
Yes, but only a Business account ever gets paid, so set that up first, with a different email from any parent account you have. What you need differs a lot by provider type. Reimbursements are slow: officially up to 60 days, and state audits have seen 90.
What you'll need
- EIN (employer identification number)
- W-9
- Bank / ACH details
- Teaching certificate or professional license
- Category attestations (provider-type statements)
A free account fills this in from your own Vault and Settings, and keeps it filled in.
The path in
Start with Step Up's direct-service-provider interest form, then set up your EMA provider account.
- Create a Business account, not Personal
In EMA, only a Business or combined account can receive money. Use an email that isn't tied to any parent EMA account, and add your W-9 details with an IRS-registered name.
- Reserve funds, then invoice
Service providers reserve funds first and invoice after. Match the student's enrolled name exactly and itemize your pricing.
A Personal EMA account can never be paid, only a Business or combined one. Credentialed people set up Personal by mistake and then wait for money that never comes.
Step Up EMA provider setup (2026-07)
Use a different email from any parent EMA account you already have, or the setup collides.
Step Up EMA provider setup (2026-07)