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The Gardiner Scholarship is a program that assists families in personalizing educational plans for children with specific special needs. Eligible students, aged 3 through 12th grade, must have a diagnosis such as anaphylaxis, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, deafness, Down syndrome, dual sensory impairment, hospital or homebound status, muscular dystrophy, Phelan McDermid syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare disease or condition, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, Williams syndrome, or an intellectual disability (severe cognitive impairment). Additionally, students identified as high risk due to developmental delays and not older than 5 on September 1 may qualify for the year they apply. The Gardiner Scholarship enables parents to allocate scholarship funds to approved programs and providers, including private schools, therapists, specialists, curriculum, technology, and college savings accounts. Children in foster care, out-of-home care, or experiencing homelessness may also qualify.

K-12 children may qualify for the income-based Florida tax credit scholarship if a family's household qualifies for the free or reduced-price school lunch program (185% of the federal poverty guidelines), or if the family receives SNAP (food stamps), TANF, or FDPIR. Children entering kindergarten must be 5 on or before September 1 and children entering first grade must be 6 on or before September 1.