Vouchers are growing in Florida. How will the state pay for them?

Tampa Bay Times | By Jeffrey S. Solochek | February 17, 2025

A roundup of Florida education news from around the state

The big story: As Florida’s school voucher system expands, so, too does its cost.

It’s anticipated to reach $4 billion as enrollment caps rise and income eligibility requirements remain a thing of the past.

Members of the House PreK-12 Budget subcommittee already have held two hearings this year to discuss how they might change the state’s education funding model to accommodate the growth. Gov. Ron DeSantis, meanwhile, has proposed legislation with his budget plan to shift hundreds of millions of dollars from public schools to voucher recipients.

Superintendents have urged state officials to keep district schools, which still educate the vast majority of Florida schoolchildren, top of mind as they make decisions.