Does Florida offer free preschool?

Yes. Florida funds the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) for 4 years old by September 1. Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is universal — no income test. All eligible 4-year-olds who live in Florida qualify.

What are the income limits for free preschool in Florida?

Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is universal — no income test. All eligible 4-year-olds who live in Florida qualify.

✓ Universal Pre-K — No Income Test

Free Preschool in Florida

Q: When do I enroll my child in Florida pre-K?

Florida pre-K enrollment typically runs January through August. Apply through Florida Department of Education / Early Learning Coalitions. Every 4-year-old born before Sept 1 is eligible — no income test. Get your Certificate of Eligibility from your local Early Learning Coalition, then choose a provider. Full-year option available through School Readiness.

Q: How do I apply for free preschool in Florida?

Apply through Florida Department of Education / Early Learning Coalitions. Every 4-year-old born before Sept 1 is eligible — no income test. Get your Certificate of Eligibility from your local Early Learning Coalition, then choose a provider. Full-year option available through School Readiness. You can start your application at https://www.floridaearlylearning.com/vpk.

2026 eligibility, age requirements, and how to apply

Florida offers free pre-K to all eligible 4-year-olds through Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK). No income test.

Age

4 years old by September 1

Income limit

None (universal)

Schedule

540 instructional hours

Apply by

January through August

Florida Free Preschool: Program Details

Program name

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

Age requirement

4 years old by September 1

Income limit

Universal — no income test

Schedule

540 instructional hours (school year) or 300 hours (summer)

Enrollment

January through August

Administered by

Florida Department of Education / Early Learning Coalitions

How to Apply for Free Preschool in Florida

Applications are handled by Florida Department of Education / Early Learning Coalitions.

Check age and income eligibility

Your child must be 4 years old by September 1. No income verification required.

Apply during enrollment window

Florida pre-K enrollment typically runs January through August. Apply early — many programs fill quickly.

Choose a provider

Programs run through public schools and licensed childcare centers. Every 4-year-old born before Sept 1 is eligible — no income test. Get your Certificate of Eligibility from your local Early Learning Coalition, then choose a provider. Full-year option available through School Readiness.

Apply through Florida Department of →

What to know before you apply

• Every 4-year-old born before Sept 1 is eligible — no income test. Get your Certificate of Eligibility from your local Early Learning Coalition, then choose a provider. Full-year option available through School Readiness.
• Head Start is a backup option if state seats run out. It serves families below 100% FPL and is federally funded nationwide.