Partnership will connect Hispanic-owned businesses and their employees to the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, funding scholarships for low-income students in Florida's public schools
Wellington, Fla. – The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FSHCC) today announced a strategic partnership with the Step Further Scholarship Fund to bring the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit to Hispanic businesses, entrepreneurs, employers, and communities across Florida.
Starting January 1, 2027, individual taxpayers can receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to eligible Scholarship Granting Organizations. In plain terms, taxpayers can redirect part of what they already owe the federal government toward scholarships for low-income students in Florida's public schools, at no added cost to themselves. Those scholarships pay for educational resources like tutoring, technology, therapy, after-school programs, and other supports that help students succeed.
The stakes for Florida's Hispanic community are hard to overstate. Florida has the third-largest Hispanic student population in the country, with more than 1 million Hispanic students in our public schools, and roughly 6 in 10 are classified as economically disadvantaged. Statewide, more than 700,000 Florida children live in poverty. At the same time, Florida's more than 600,000 Hispanic-owned businesses contribute over $90 billion to the state's economy each year and are among its fastest-growing employers. This partnership connects those two realities: the businesses that are building Florida's economy and the students who will be its next workforce.
"This one is personal for our members," said Julio Fuentes, President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "So many of our business owners came from very little and built something for their families. They know what a good teacher, a tutor, or a laptop can mean for a kid whose parents are working two jobs. Now the federal government is letting people take money they'd already be sending to Washington and put it directly into a scholarship for a student down the street. That's a no-brainer. Our job is to make sure every Hispanic employer and employee in Florida knows this exists and knows how easy it is to participate."
Through the partnership, FSHCC will promote the Education Freedom Tax Credit across its statewide network of local Hispanic chambers, member businesses, and corporate partners, with bilingual outreach and educational resources for employers and employees. Step Further will work directly with participating employers to set up payroll-giving programs, provide technical support, and supply employee communications materials so that participation is simple and the administrative burden is minimal. There is no cost to employers.
"Hispanic-owned businesses are one of the most powerful engines in Florida's economy, and the FSHCC has the trust and the reach to bring this opportunity to communities that will benefit most," said Julisse Levy, Senior Director, Step Further Head of Education Market Development. "We're grateful for this partnership and excited to serve as many K-12 students as possible across the state."
The announcement comes as Florida celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a fitting time to invest in the next generation of Hispanic students, workers, and entrepreneurs.
Beginning January 1, 2027, individual taxpayers may claim a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to eligible Scholarship Granting Organizations, including the Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund. The contribution will have no impact on household bills as the credit lets participants redirect the same amount of their contribution from their federal tax liability to support scholarships for low-income public-school students in Florida.
Employers, individuals, businesses, and community members can support educational opportunity through the Education Freedom Tax Credit in a variety of ways, including payroll giving and direct contributions. Step Further provides resources and support to make participation simple and accessible. FSHCC members interested in participating can contact Kimberlee Riley at [email protected].
Founded in 2000, the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice for Florida's Hispanic business community, representing more than 600,000 Hispanic-owned businesses across the state. FSHCC advocates for pro-business policies, connects members with corporate and government partners, and works to expand economic opportunity for Hispanic entrepreneurs and the communities they serve. Learn more at www.fshcc.com.
