Recruiter and ESO toolkit: Florida Guard education benefits
Educational Dollars for Duty is one of the strongest recruiting and retention arguments Florida has: up to $5,000 per funding request and $10,000 per fiscal year toward an industry certification. This page collects what a recruiter or Education Services Officer needs to explain it in a single conversation.
Updated September 2026 · Per the Revised EDD Program Guidelines, effective July 1, 2026
Certifications that fit in a single EDD funding request
Every course below fits in a single EDD funding request.
| Certification course | Credit hours | EDD cost | Fits in one request |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, Linux+ | 16 | $3,499.36 | ✓ |
| PMI PMP / EC-Council CEH | 16 | $3,499.36 | ✓ |
| PMI CAPM | 14 | $3,061.94 | ✓ |
| ISC2 CISSP | 18 | $3,936.78 | ✓ |
| Hack The Box CPTS | 20 | $4,374.20 | ✓ |
| Cisco CCNA | 21 | $4,592.91 | ✓ |
| OffSec PEN-200 (OSCP) | 22 | $4,811.62 | ✓ |
| Microsoft AZ-900 | 4 | $874.84 | ✓ |
Priced at the EDD rate of $218.71 per credit hour. Two-certification paths that fit the $10,000.00 yearly limit: Security+ and CySA+ ($6,998.72); Network+ and CCNA ($8,092.27); Security+ and CISSP ($7,436.14).
What to tell a soldier or airman
The limits are per request and per year, not one annual pot: $5,000 per funding request and $10,000 per fiscal year, running July 1 to June 30.
Nearly every certification course fits inside a single request, so a member is not asked to find a balance from their own pocket.
The paperwork is a funding request in the VEC and a Form 704 back to us. Our EDD Student Coordinator does that walkthrough with members every week.
EDD is a State of Florida privilege rather than an entitlement, so funding always depends on member qualification and available state appropriation.
Book a unit briefing
We will run a 20-minute briefing for your unit, in person or online, covering the 2026 limits, which certifications fit, and how the VEC request works. Ask for it through the button above and tell us roughly how many members to expect.
Take it with you
Helping a recruit or soldier plan their EDD training? Download our one-page EDD guide or book a 20-minute briefing for your unit.
Frequently asked
Updated September 2026 · Per the Revised EDD Program Guidelines, effective July 1, 2026.
What can I hand a soldier who asks about EDD?
The one-page EDD guide on this page. It states the 2026 funding limits, what each certification costs at the EDD rate, and the Form 704 steps.
How long is a unit briefing?
About 20 minutes, in person or online, with time for questions afterwards.
Does ATA bill EDD directly?
Yes. Once Form 704 reaches us we bill EDD for the seat, so the member pays nothing up front.
Related funding paths
Ready to use your EDD benefit?
Our EDD Student Coordinator will guide you from funding request to credential.