Hotels and Restaurants – Hospitality Education Program (HEP)

The Hospitality Education Program (HEP) is an industry-financed, industry-supported education grants program. HEP’s sole purpose is administering the school-to-career grant program authorized under Section 509.302, Florida Statutes.

The HEP and grants are funded by a $10.00 fee on each license. The grants are awarded to hospitality industry related statewide non-profit organizations for the benefit of students obtaining training in the hospitality industry.

School-to-career grants are awarded for a period of four years, with annual funding. The current grant cycle ends June 30, 2028.  Procurement for the next grant cycle will commence in early 2028.

Eligibility criteria and the application process is described in rule 61C-8, Florida Administrative Code. Applications and other forms are available on our website and upon request.

For more information on the HEP school-to-career grants, contact the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.