Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Hospitality Education Program

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 stipend 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, 2016.

The application cycle for the 2012-2016 grant cycle began on January 1, 2012, and ended on March 1, 2012. The request for proposal (RFP) was posted and advertised on the State of Florida Vendor Bid System. Information regarding the application cycle for the 2016-2020 grant cycle will be posted in advance of the RFP advertisement.

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.