Can a Duval family pay for outings to museums, zoos and parks with scholarship funds?
Student admission to museums, zoos, aquariums, parks and certain performances can qualify, with a short list of exclusions.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Allowed | Student admission to cultural facilities, zoos, museums, parks and plays, musicals or orchestral performances. |
| PEP (family-directed account) | Allowed | The same list. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Allowed from money left after tuition | A school's field-trip fee is an eligible school fee; other admissions come from leftover funds. |
Which rules apply to outings to museums, zoos and parks purchases?
- Only the student's ticket is covered, and family packages are prorated.
- Out-of-state trips need pre-authorization.
- Special-event tickets above basic admission were added to the prohibited list.
What is not allowed under outings to museums, zoos and parks?
- Concerts
- Parking, food and souvenirs
- Special-event tickets beyond basic admission
How do Jacksonville families use outings to museums, zoos and parks?
The Museum of Science & History, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Cummer Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and state parks on the Duval coast all sit in the listed kinds of venue. Confirm the vendor sells a student ticket and keep that receipt.
How does a family buy outings to museums, zoos and parks with scholarship money?
Browse MyScholarShop first, because its items are pre-approved, then search Find Providers in EMA to pay a tutor, therapist or instructor directly. Failing that, pay on a card and send in the itemized receipt for repayment. Anything not on the eligible list needs permission beforehand, and requests for 2026-27 stop on May 28, 2027.
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Sources: Step Up For Students purchasing guides for FES-UA, PEP and the Private School Scholarship (2026-27) and its summary of handbook and guide changes. These are summaries and not legal advice; Step Up's handbook controls.