School Readiness in Florida: income limits and how to apply

What is the School Readiness income limit in Florida?

To enroll, your family’s income must be at or below 55 percent of Florida’s median income for your household size. Once your child is enrolled, you keep your place until income passes 85 percent. Federal rules let a state set its entry line as high as 85 percent.

Florida changed this rule in 2025. Until then the line was 150 percent of the federal poverty level, so older guides and some federal tables still print lower figures. Median income comes from the federal estimates for fiscal year 2027.

Sources: Section 1002.81, Florida Statutes (2026): Early learning definitions; Rule 6M-4.200, F.A.C., School Readiness Eligibility Provisions (effective 12/21/2025); LIHEAP IM 2026-01, Attachment 4: State Median Income Estimates for Mandatory Use in FY 2027.

What else does School Readiness require?

Work or school

To count as a working family, a single parent works, or attends eligible school or job training, at least 20 hours a week, and two parents need a combined 40 hours. If one of two parents cannot work because of age or a disability a doctor documents, the other parent needs 20 hours.Source

Who is served first

Families on temporary cash assistance who must meet federal work rules come first, along with parents in certain state job training programs. At-risk children younger than 9 come next, such as a child whose family is under investigation or supervision by the Department of Children and Families. Your coalition fills the remaining places from the local priority list the law sets out.Source

Waiting list

Enrollment depends on funding. When a coalition has no open places, eligible children wait on its list and are enrolled in priority order as money allows.Source

Parent copayment

Families pay a copayment set by the Division of Early Learning's sliding fee scale, based on income, family size and hours of care. It may not exceed 7 percent of family income, however many children are in care.Source

When the copayment can be waived

A coalition may waive the copayment for an at-risk child. It may also waive it for a time if your income is at or below the federal poverty level, or after a disaster or an emergency such as losing your home.Source

Staying enrolled

On income alone, an enrolled family stays eligible until income passes 85 percent of state median income. A family with assets over $1 million does not qualify.Source

Renewal

Eligibility is checked again every year. A child who no longer qualifies leaves the program, except that a child who lost eligibility because a parent lost a job or left school or training keeps care for at least 3 months.Source

If a parent loses a job

Care continues for at least 3 months after a parent loses a job or leaves school or training. A child who qualified as part of a working family stops being eligible if the parent has not gone back to work or school within 90 days.Source

Report changes

State law says to tell your coalition within 10 days after a change in your job, income or family size, or if you stop attending school or training.Source

Income changes while enrolled

The Division's rule gives 14 calendar days to report a new address, a change in work or school, or a change in family size, and asks about income only once it passes 85 percent of state median income. Below that line, an income change does not end your child's eligibility before the next check.Source

How does School Readiness compare with Head Start?

How do I apply for School Readiness?

Apply online through Florida’s Early Learning Family Portal, the same place you apply for free VPK. Your county’s early learning coalition reviews the application. When money runs short there is a waiting list, and places go in the order Florida law sets. State law asks you to report a change in your job, income or family size within 10 days.

Common questions

What is the School Readiness income limit in Florida?

To enroll, a family of three can earn up to $49,952 a year, about $4,163 a month. That is 55 percent of Florida's median income for a family that size. A family of four can earn up to $59,467. Once enrolled, a family stays eligible on income until it passes 85 percent, $77,199 a year for three.

Who qualifies for School Readiness?

A Florida child younger than 13 whose family is under the income limit and, in most cases, working: a single parent working or in school or training at least 20 hours a week, or two parents with a combined 40 hours. Some children qualify on other grounds, such as a child whose family is under investigation or supervision by the Department of Children and Families.

How do I apply for School Readiness?

Apply online through Florida's Early Learning Family Portal. Your county's early learning coalition reviews the application and decides eligibility. When funds are short there is a waiting list, and children are enrolled in the order the law sets.

Do I pay anything for School Readiness care?

Usually a copayment, set by the Division of Early Learning's sliding fee scale from your income, family size and hours of care. It may not exceed 7 percent of your income. Your coalition may waive it for an at-risk child, or for a time if your income is at or below the federal poverty level.

What happens if I lose my job while my child is enrolled?

Care continues for at least 3 months. If your child qualified because your family works, you have 90 days to go back to work, school or training before your child stops being eligible. State law says to tell your coalition about the change within 10 days.