Florida FES-UA Scholarship Guide 2026-27

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is a Florida state scholarship that provides education savings accounts (ESAs) to families of children with qualifying disabilities. Award amounts depend on the child's needs matrix level: the average is around $10,000 at matrix levels 251-253, rising to roughly $22,000 at level 254 and $34,000 at level 255. Families can spend these funds on private school tuition, therapies, curriculum materials, tutoring, and other approved educational expenses.

Students ages 3 through 22 (or until 12th grade graduation) with a qualifying diagnosis are eligible. Qualifying conditions include autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, hearing impairment, visual impairment, emotional or behavioral disability, and over 20 other conditions. Students need either an IEP or a diagnosis from a licensed physician or psychologist.

The roughly $10,000 average applies to students at the base matrix levels (251-253). Students assessed at Matrix level 254 average about $22,000 per year, and those at Matrix level 255 average about $34,000, per the AAA Scholarships 2026-27 award schedule. Final amounts vary by county, grade band, and your child's matrix level. Funds are deposited quarterly into your student EMA (Education Savings Account) and can cover 100% of tuition at many private special needs schools.

Yes. FES-UA funds can pay for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy from approved providers. This includes services from BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) licensed in Florida. Many families use FES-UA to cover ABA services at private therapy centers or as part of a school program.

Yes. Homeschooling families can use FES-UA funds for curriculum materials, online learning programs, tutoring, therapies, and instructional materials. You do not have to enroll in a private school to use the scholarship. Many families combine homeschooling with part-time therapy services using FES-UA funds.

FES-UA is specifically for students with documented disabilities and provides larger awards (around $10,000 average at the base matrix tier, and substantially more for higher-needs students at matrix levels 254-255). The Florida Tax Credit (FTC) scholarship is income-based and available to any K-12 student (average around $8,000). FES-UA offers more flexibility in spending on therapies and educational services, while FTC is primarily for private school tuition.

Applications for the 2026-27 school year open on Sunday, February 1, 2026. New applicants should gather documentation now, including proof of age, diagnosis, and Florida residency. Bookmark the Step Up For Students website to apply when applications open.

Apply through Step Up For Students (stepupforstudents.org) or AAA Scholarships (aaascholarships.org). You will need to create an account, submit proof of your child age, Florida residency, and qualifying diagnosis. If your child has an IEP, include that documentation. Once approved, funds are deposited quarterly into your EMA account.

Yes. A student can transfer between scholarship funding organizations (SFOs). If you are currently with Step Up For Students and want to switch to AAA Scholarships (or vice versa), your renewal status transfers with you. Contact both organizations for transfer procedures and deadlines.

If your child receives a new qualifying diagnosis or your current diagnosis is updated, submit the updated documentation to your SFO. As long as your child still has a qualifying condition, they remain eligible. A change in diagnosis does not automatically disqualify your child.

You can use FES-UA at any private school approved by the Florida Department of Education. Most private special needs schools in Florida accept FES-UA. Search the FLDOE Private School Directory or use our school finder to locate participating schools in your area.

FES-UA cannot pay for food, transportation, childcare unrelated to education, or general household expenses. Sports equipment, musical instruments for recreation, and items not directly related to your child educational program are also not covered. When in doubt, contact your SFO before purchasing.

No. If you move out of Florida, your scholarship ends but you do not repay previously used funds. Notify your SFO of the move. Any remaining balance in your EMA account will be returned to the state. You cannot use FES-UA funds after establishing residency in another state.

Yes. Once awarded, you must accept or decline your scholarship by the deadline specified in your award notification. For renewal priority applicants, this is typically May 31. For new applicants, the acceptance deadline is usually December 15 of the application year. Missing the deadline forfeits your award.

Limited options exist. FES-UA students can take individual courses at public schools through dual enrollment or unbundled services, but cannot be enrolled full-time in public school. Most families choose between full public school ESE services or using FES-UA for private options.