Tallahassee, Fla. – September 19, 2026 -- Families saving for their children's education may be underestimating what a 529 plan can actually pay for, according to the Florida Prepaid College Board.
As National College Savings Month is marked this month, the Board is highlighting that 529 plans no longer apply only to traditional four-year degrees. Depending on the specific plan and applicable law, qualified withdrawals can cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, certain room-and-board costs, registered apprenticeship programs, select K-12 expenses, educational testing costs and limited student loan repayment.
Parents face a workforce that is changing faster than they can predict
Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping career paths, creating uncertainty for parents of young children who won't enter the workforce for another 10, 15 or 20 years. Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of the Florida Prepaid College Board, said families don't need to predict the future to prepare for it.
"Whether a child ultimately attends a university, pursues technical training, earns an industry credential, or follows another educational path, the most important thing families can do is save, start early, and keep opportunities open," Thompson said.
Qualified funds can stretch across multiple education paths
Eligible 529 funds can help cover college and university tuition, required fees, books and supplies, certain room-and-board expenses, graduate and professional school programs, registered apprenticeship programs, certain qualified K-12 expenses, select educational and testing expenses permitted under applicable law, and limited student loan repayment.
For parents of younger children, this range of qualified uses means savings started for one goal can later apply to a different path as a child's interests change.
Starting early remains the biggest advantage families have
Thompson said taking small steps now helps create options later, calling that the core of financial planning for education. Florida Prepaid offers year-round enrollment, allowing parents and grandparents in the state to begin saving whenever it fits their family's timeline.