Private Schools Sue Nonprofit Over Delayed Voucher Payments in Florida

Schools say Step Up For Students failed to properly disburse state-approved funds, causing financial stress and disruptions.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A group of private schools in Florida have filed a lawsuit against the nonprofit Step Up For Students, which processes most student-voucher payments, alleging the organization has failed to "timely and properly disburse" funds that the state had already approved. The schools say the payment issues have caused financial stress and operational disruptions to the educational services they provide, particularly impacting students with disabilities.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights ongoing issues with Florida's rapidly expanding school voucher program, the largest in the nation, which has faced a lack of accountability and oversight. A state audit found errors in how Step Up For Students managed applications and funding, leading to delayed payments and funding instability for students, parents, and education providers.

The details

The complaint says state-approved voucher funds were cleared in multiple steps, but the distribution was delayed for more than two years in some cases. While the schools went through staff reductions, program cuts, and enrollment losses, the stakes are highest for students, as the schools cannot penalize families for late tuition payments or suspend services without undermining the purpose of the scholarship programs.

  • In the fall of 2025, a state audit performed on the Florida Department of Education's voucher handling 'found ... a myriad of accountability challenges that left the statewide funding shortfall.'

The players

Step Up For Students

A nonprofit organization that processes most student-voucher payments in Florida.

Diverse Abilities School

A private school in Southwest Ranches, Florida that is part of the lawsuit.

Lamonte W. Carter

An attorney with the Carter Firm in Jacksonville, Florida who is representing the schools in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“We demonstrated to these schools that their claims are unwarranted. Step Up for Students is disappointed that the schools have chosen to file a lawsuit, but we will work with our attorneys to address the allegations the schools have raised and respond accordingly.”

— Scott Kent, Step Up For Students spokesperson (WLRN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

The lawsuit highlights ongoing issues with accountability and oversight in Florida's rapidly expanding school voucher program, which has faced problems with delayed payments and funding instability for students, parents, and education providers.