Last updated: 2026-11-03
Florida FES-UA Scholarship Guide: Amounts, Rules & Application
Florida Statute 1002.394 funds education savings accounts worth about $9,600 to $39,100 a year for students with documented unique abilities. Here is how funding tiers work, how to clear cross-check holds, and what changed for the 2026-27 school year.
Clinically reviewed by Meaghan Timko, MS, BCBA, LBA BACB certification #1-05-2608
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FES-UA funding dates: open now and next up (November 2026)
Checked on the program's official site on November 3, 2026.
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Now
Quarter 2 deposits
Step Up received Quarter 2 funds on November 1, 2026 and deposits them into student accounts within two weeks.
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November 15, 2026
New 2026-27 applications close
Step Up takes new applications through November 15, 2026, and may close earlier if the program reaches capacity.
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December 9, 2026
Quarter 3 withdrawal proof due
New Quarter 3 students and students flagged by a public-school cross-check submit proof of withdrawal (withdrawn on or before December 31, 2026).
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December 15, 2026
Last day for new students to accept
Only students found eligible and accepted on or before December 15, 2026 can be considered for 2026-27 funding.
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February 1, 2027
Quarter 3 funding, and 2027-28 renewals open
Quarter 3 funds arrive February 1. Florida law opens renewals for 2027-28 on February 1, with renewals due by April 30, 2027 to keep priority.
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July 31, 2027
2026-27 reimbursements due
The 2025-26 reimbursement window closed October 31, 2026. Submit requests for purchases made July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 by July 31, 2027.
Sources: Step Up For Students FES-UA Family Handbook 2026-27 (last modified October 29, 2026), the Unique Abilities apply and reimbursement pages, and Florida Statute 1002.394(11)-(12). Step Up has not posted its own 2027-28 application dates yet.
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How much is the FES-UA scholarship in 2026-27?
FES-UA pays $9,627 to $14,381 a year at base Matrix levels 251-253, $21,379 to $25,701 at Matrix Level 4 (254), and $34,429 to $39,091 at Matrix Level 5 (255). Your exact amount depends on your county of residence, your child's grade band, and the matrix level. A private diagnosis funds at the 251-253 level; only a district Matrix of Services evaluation unlocks 254 or 255.
Source: Step Up For Students 2026-27 FES-UA award amounts by district. See the full range table by grade below.
FES-UA Funding Dates 2026-27
Step Up For Students deposits FES-UA funds into student accounts every quarter. Step Up receives each payment from the State of Florida on the dates below, then deposits it into your child's scholarship account within two weeks.
| Funding Quarter | Students | Step Up Receives State Funds | In Your Child's Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 (Jul 1 - Sep 30) | Renewal students | August 1, 2026 | Within two weeks |
| Quarter 1 (Jul 1 - Sep 30) | New students | September 1, 2026 | Within two weeks |
| Quarter 2 (Oct 1 - Dec 31) | All students | November 1, 2026 | Within two weeks |
| Quarter 3 (Jan 1 - Mar 31) | All students | February 1, 2027 | Within two weeks |
| Quarter 4 (Apr 1 - Jun 30) | All students | April 1, 2027 | Within two weeks |
- Families must accept or decline the scholarship by December 15, 2026. Only students found eligible and accepted on or before that date can receive any 2026-27 funding.
- Families receiving their Quarter 1 payment in September had to complete the public-school attestation by September 15, 2026. New Quarter 3 students and students flagged by a cross-check submit proof of withdrawal by December 9, 2026.
- If a scheduled deposit is delayed, Step Up may provide supplemental funding at a later date.
Source: Step Up For Students FES-UA Family Handbook, 2026-27 (last modified October 29, 2026).
FES-UA Scholarship Amounts 2026-27 by Matrix Level
The state funding formula sets each FES-UA award from three variables: the student's county of residence, grade band, and Cost Factor tier on the Florida Department of Education Matrix of Services.
Looking for Gardiner or McKay scholarship amounts?
Those programs no longer exist under their old names. The Gardiner Scholarship became FES-UA in summer 2021, and the McKay Scholarship merged into FES-UA in 2022. This page shows the current amounts for families who once would have used either one.
What does a matrix score of 251, 252 or 253 mean?
The Matrix of Services runs from 251 (level 1) to 255 (level 5). A score of 251, 252 or 253 is funded at the base tier, $9,627 to $14,381 a year in 2026-27 depending on county and grade. Only 254 and 255 unlock the larger awards, and those require a district Matrix of Services evaluation.
Cost Factors 251-253
Assigned automatically for private medical diagnoses (e.g. ADHD, mild ASD, speech delay). Covers standard private school tuition or mixed homeschool curriculum and weekly outpatient therapies.
Cost Factor 254 (Level 4)
Requires a public district Matrix evaluation. Covers extensive behavioral support plans, frequent therapeutic intervention, and specialized private day academies.
Cost Factor 255 (Level 5)
Highest state allocation tier. Requires documented round-the-clock 1:1 adult supervision, severe medical or behavioral management protocols, or non-ambulatory clinical care.
2026-27 Statewide Award Ranges by Cost Factor
| Matrix Level | Grade Band | County Range (Low to High) | Qualifying Support Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 251-253 (Base) | Ages 3-4 and K-3 | $10,402-$14,381 | Standard classroom accommodations, outpatient therapy |
| 251-253 (Base) | Grades 4-8 | $9,818-$13,781 | Resource room support, speech/OT accommodations |
| 251-253 (Base) | Grades 9-12 | $9,627-$13,585 | Vocational support, specialized testing accommodations |
| 254 (Level 4) | All Grades | $21,379-$25,701 | Extensive behavioral intervention, continuous staff support |
| 255 (Level 5) | All Grades | $34,429-$39,091 | Pervasive 1:1 supervision, complex medical/nursing protocols |
Source: Step Up For Students, 2026-27 Scholarship Amounts, FES-UA by District (published August 2026). Ranges run from Volusia County (lowest) to Monroe County (highest). The district is the student's county of residence on the 2026-27 application, and the Florida Legislature sets the amounts each year in the state budget.
FES-UA vs. PEP: How the Two Accounts Differ
A common source of confusion and denied reimbursement claims in Florida is mixing up the Personalized Education Program (PEP) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA). While both are administered through Step Up For Students via Education Management Accounts (EMA), their funding purposes and allowable expenses differ:
Requires a qualifying clinical diagnosis or IEP. Awards scale with need (Matrix 251-255: $9,627 to $39,091 in 2026-27).
Eligible: Specialized therapies (ABA, SLP, OT, PT), licensed paraprofessionals/aides, sensory equipment, assistive technology, specialized adaptive curriculum, and private school tuition.
For homeschool students without requiring a disability classification. Flat universal award (~$8,000).
Eligible: Standard curriculum, instructional materials, textbooks, standard tutoring, and testing fees. Cannot pay for clinical therapies, specialized aides, or clinical sensory equipment.
Warning: Submitting clinical therapy or specialized sensory equipment on a PEP account will be denied. Conversely, attempting to purchase non-therapeutic consumer entertainment or electronics on an FES-UA account without medical/IEP correlation will trigger an audit rejection.
Do Families "Waive" All Rights Under IDEA When Using FES-UA?
A common misconception in parent forums is that accepting FES-UA means "waiving all civil rights." The legal reality under Fla. Stat. § 1002.394 and IDEA 34 CFR §§ 300.130-300.144 is narrower than that:
- FAPE in Private Settings: By choosing private school placement or home education with FES-UA, parents decline an individual statutory entitlement to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) provided by the public school district. The district is not obligated to fund or enforce an IEP outside public schools.
- Retained District Child Find: The local school district still retains a federal Child Find obligation to evaluate or re-evaluate your child for suspected disabilities at no cost.
- Equitable Services: School districts must allocate a proportionate share of federal IDEA funds to provide limited "Equitable Services" (via a Services Plan) to parentally-placed private school students.
- Civil Rights Protections: Private schools receiving federal assistance remain subject to Section 504 non-discrimination rules, and facilities open to the public must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
How Families Qualify for Matrix 254 or 255
Private doctors and psychologists cannot generate a Florida Matrix of Services document. When parents apply using only a private diagnostic report, Step Up automatically assigns the base 251-253 tier, leaving substantial funds on the table for children with high clinical needs.
The Matrix Upgrade Pathway:
1. Request District Evaluation
Contact your county school district ESE office or FDLRS center under IDEA Child Find mandates to request a formal evaluation.
2. Complete Matrix Scoring
The district Child Study Team evaluates 5 domains (Curriculum, Social/Emotional, Independent Function, Health, Communication) to complete the matrix form.
3. Submit to SFO for Recalculation
Upload the completed district matrix form showing Level 4 or 5 directly into EMA to update your annual scholarship award.
Federal law entitles parentally placed private school students and homeschoolers to district Child Find evaluations at no cost.
How Florida's FES-UA Scholarship Operates
Under Florida Statute § 1002.394, the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) establishes an Education Savings Account (ESA) for qualifying children with disabilities. The state deposits an annual per-student allocation directly into an account administered by an approved Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO), primarily Step Up For Students or AAA Scholarship Foundation.
Parents manage allocations through the Education Market Assistant (EMA) online platform. Rather than limiting funds to tuition, FES-UA covers licensed clinical therapies (ABA, speech, OT, PT), accredited private tutoring, state-approved homeschool curriculum, and assistive equipment.
For 2026-27, annual awards range from $9,627 for standard base diagnoses (Matrix 251-253) up to $39,091 for students requiring intensive, round-the-clock support (Matrix 255), depending on county and grade. If you are looking for local therapy providers accepting direct pay in South Florida, explore our city directories for Davie ABA centers, Sunrise therapy clinics, and Pembroke Pines centers.
2026-27 Operational Rules Every Family Must Track
Public-school enrollment check: For 2026-27, Step Up set the attestation deadline for families receiving their Quarter 1 payment in September at September 15, 2026. If you missed it or still have an outstanding request, check EMA and contact Step Up promptly about your student's status. If a family answers that the student is enrolled in public school, Step Up requires proof of withdrawal on or before July 31, 2026. New students funded in later quarters and students flagged by a public-school cross-check may instead need withdrawal proof. Follow the student's EMA notice and the current FES-UA handbook. Do not treat July 31 as the Q1 attestation deadline.
Reimbursement deadlines depend on the purchase year: The window for eligible purchases made July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 closed October 31, 2026. For purchases made July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, submit requests by July 31, 2027. See the official Unique Abilities reimbursement schedule. A claim deadline is separate from balance rollover: unused funds may carry forward while the student remains eligible, subject to program limits.
One-Appeal Limit on EMA Denials: Step Up allows one appeal per denied reimbursement request through EMA. Use that appeal to add or correct the required documentation. Additional appeals for the same item are not reviewed; email and other customer-service channels do not replace the EMA process.
Florida Prepaid Direct Pay Mandate: Effective June 30, 2026, the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program moved exclusively to Direct Pay. Step Up no longer reimburses parents for out-of-pocket payments made directly to Florida Prepaid plans.
Sources: Step Up For Students 2026-27 Family Handbook and Florida Administrative Code 6A-6.03028.
Who Qualifies for FES-UA in Florida?
To qualify for FES-UA, a child must be a Florida resident between the ages of 3 and 22 (up to high school graduation) with a documented qualifying disability. Under Florida Statute § 1002.394, the state recognizes over 20 specific developmental, neurological, physical, and sensory diagnoses.
Acceptable Medical & Clinical Documentation
Proof of eligibility requires either an existing public school Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a formal diagnosis form completed by a licensed practitioner. Under updated Florida Department of Education guidelines, the following Florida clinicians are authorized to sign diagnosis paperwork:
Note on age proof: First-time applicants who turn six on or before September 1 of the application year are no longer required to submit a birth certificate or passport if their age can be verified through school records.
Statutory Qualifying Diagnoses
Preschool Eligibility (Ages 3 to 5)
Children aged 3 through 5 qualify under the "High-Risk Child" category if they exhibit significant developmental delays in cognitive, language, or physical milestones, even without an established medical label. If your child is currently enrolled in the state Part C early intervention program, review the Early Steps Extended rules below before applying.
Legislative & Policy Changes Affecting Families
Florida's legislative sessions and the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities instituted several operational changes that govern the 2026-27 cycle.
Physician Assistant Diagnosis Certification
Florida-licensed Physician Assistants working under a supervising physician and autonomous APRNs can now sign diagnostic validation paperwork. Previously, Step Up rejected medical diagnosis letters signed by PAs, causing lengthy application delays. Families whose prior submissions were stalled for PA signatures can now resubmit their documents directly in EMA.
Early Steps Extended Option Exclusion
Under Senate Bill 112, children enrolled in the Early Steps Extended Option (which allows Part C early intervention services to continue until age 4) cannot concurrently receive FES-UA funds. Families must choose between remaining in Early Steps Extended services or transitioning to FES-UA upon turning 3.
Physical Education & Sports Supplies Reforms
The 2026-27 Purchasing Guide replaced the restrictive "sports equipment" category with "sports supplies." This eliminates the strict one-item-per-year purchase limitation on standard items like soccer goals, basketballs, and tennis nets. Sports supply rentals (such as seasonal protective gear, helmets, and pads) are also now eligible expenses.
How to Apply: Portal Onboarding & Escalation Workflows
Florida operates through two approved Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs): Step Up For Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation. Step Up manages the overwhelming majority of FES-UA accounts through its online Education Market Assistant (EMA) portal.
1. Create Your Parent Profile in EMA
Visit Step Up For Students (stepupforstudents.org) or AAA Scholarships (aaascholarships.org). Set up your parent profile using a permanent personal email address. Applications are processed on a rolling basis. New 2026-27 applications close November 15, 2026, or earlier if the program reaches capacity.
2. Upload Mandatory Proof of Residency, Age & Diagnosis
Prepare clear PDF scans matching state audit criteria:
- Residency: Utility bill (electric, gas, water) or active residential lease in the parent or guardian's legal name.
- Age: Birth certificate or passport (waived for first-time applicants aged 6 on September 1 with school records).
- Clinical Eligibility: Existing public school IEP or an official diagnosis signed by an authorized physician, psychologist, APRN, or PA.
3. Track Verification & Accept Award Within 30 Days
Initial review takes 3 to 6 weeks, though peak August-September submissions often experience backlogs of 60 days. Once approved, you must log into EMA and formally accept the scholarship within the designated window to prevent forfeiture. For 2026-27, new students must accept by December 15, 2026 to receive any funding.
Resolving a Dual-Enrollment Cross-Check Hold
Step Up automated FTE sweeps frequently freeze accounts of students withdrawing from public or charter schools. Follow these steps to clear the freeze:
District Lag
Student formally withdraws from public/charter school, but the district student database lags in updating state FTE records.
Account Freeze
Step Up runs its monthly automated FTE cross-check. Active enrollment flag triggers an immediate scholarship freeze without notice.
Direct ESE Contact
Bypass standard EMA tickets. Call your county school district ESE Director or school registrar directly.
Letterhead Release
Obtain an official letter on district letterhead confirming the exact withdrawal date. Step Up's July 22 policy clears the hold upon upload.
How to Use Your FES-UA Scholarship: Direct Pay and Reimbursement
FES-UA operates under strict statutory purchasing guidelines developed by the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities. Families can authorize payments directly to registered providers or submit out-of-pocket receipts for reimbursement.
Full purchasing rules FES-UA Purchasing Guide 2026-27: Approved Expenses → Every approved category, the items that need pre-authorization, and how to get reimbursed without a denial.
- Eligible private school tuition and registration fees
- State-approved homeschool curriculum and textbook packages
- Digital learning programs and educational software
- Part-time tutoring from Florida-certified educators
- Choice Navigator guidance services
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) by licensed BCBAs
- Speech-language pathology and oral motor therapy
- Occupational therapy and sensory integration
- Physical therapy and mobility training
- Listening and spoken language specialist sessions
- Nationally norm-referenced standardized exams
- Diagnostic and psychological evaluations
- Assistive technology and AAC communication devices
- Sensory integration tools and adapted seating
- Sports supplies and seasonal athletic gear rentals
- Dual enrollment courses at Florida state colleges
- Career training and vocational certification programs
- Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College plans (Direct Pay)
- Florida 529 savings contributions via EMA direct transfer
- Industry credential examination fees
Using FES-UA for ABA Clinical Therapy
Under Florida regulations, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers must be Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) licensed in Florida. Many families direct FES-UA funds to cover behavioral therapy hours not authorized by private commercial insurance. If you are comparing local clinics, review provider profiles across South Florida:
Prohibited Expenses Under Florida Purchasing Rules
Purchasing rules updated for the 2026-27 school year prohibit the following items:
Important: Appendix B requires pre-authorization for specialized sensory items or non-standard equipment exceeding routine classroom supply thresholds.
Florida School Choice Matrix: Comparing State Programs
Florida offers several state scholarships. The table below compares disability-based funding with general school choice options.
| Program | Eligibility | 2026-27 Award | ABA/Therapy | Homeschool Use | ESA Balance Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FES-UA (Unique Abilities) | Documented disability (ages 3-22) | $9,627-$39,091 | Yes (BCBA, SLP, OT) | Yes (F.S. 1002.41) | Yes (Annual roll) |
| PEP (Personalized Education) | Homeschool/independent students | ~$8,200 | No clinical care | Primary focus | Yes |
| FTC / FES-EO | All Florida K-12 students | ~$8,200 | No | Private school only | Direct to school |
| Hope Scholarship | Bullying/harassment incidents | ~$8,200 | No | Transfer only | No |
A new federal option starts January 1, 2027. Florida is one of the 27 states the IRS listed in June 2026 as participating in the federal scholarship tax credit, which gives taxpayers a federal credit of up to $1,700 for donations to a scholarship granting organization (SGO) in a participating state. SGOs turn those donations into K-12 scholarships for students in households earning no more than 300% of area median income, and families can use them for private school tuition, tutoring, and other education costs. The federal credit is separate from FES-UA. Watch for Florida SGOs to announce how families apply for 2027 scholarships.
2026-27 Payment Schedule & Key Deadlines
FES-UA scholarship funds disburse quarterly (see the 2026-27 funding dates table). Public-school enrollment checks vary by the student's funding quarter and situation; Step Up will notify families when an attestation or withdrawal proof is needed.
September Q1 recipients
Step Up's attestation deadline was September 15, 2026. If you missed it, check EMA and contact Step Up promptly. July 31, 2026 was a separate withdrawal cutoff for families reporting public-school enrollment.
Other funding quarters
New students and families flagged by a public-school cross-check submit withdrawal proof by December 9, 2026 for Quarter 3 funding. Check your Step Up notice and the current handbook for the applicable deadline.
Find FES-UA Approved Schools in Florida
Connect with verified special education schools and therapeutic day academies in Florida accepting FES-UA direct billing.
Miami-Dade County
Specialized autism schools, bilingual ESE classrooms, and clinical therapy academies across Miami.
Broward County
Sensory-adapted private schools and inclusive therapeutic campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Davie, and Sunrise.
Orange & Central Florida
Neurodevelopmental day programs, learning disability centers, and behavioral schools in Orlando.
Hillsborough & Tampa Bay
Independent special education academies and speech-focused private schools in Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Palm Beach County
Developmental school programs and transitional academies in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton.
Duval & Northeast Florida
Private special education centers and autism learning institutes in Jacksonville.
Our free concierge matches families with verified schools and clinical providers. We do not administer state scholarship accounts.
Official Florida State & SFO Sources
Regulatory rules, statute citations, and payment schedules reflect official releases from the Florida Department of Education and Step Up For Students.
- Step Up For Students: FES-UA Family Handbook (2026-27 Operating Rules) →
- Step Up For Students: Purchasing Guides & Summary of Changes (Updated Sep 2026) →
- Step Up For Students: Unique Abilities reimbursement deadlines by school year →
- Florida Statute 1002.394 (Family Empowerment Scholarship Program) →
- Florida Department of Education: Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice →
- AAA Scholarship Foundation: 2026-27 Florida FES-UA Award Schedule →
- Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS Child Find) →
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about Florida FES-UA eligibility, funding, and portal rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this guide
What is the FES-UA scholarship and how does funding work?
FES-UA is Florida's state-funded special needs education savings account established under Section 1002.394, Florida Statutes. Rather than sending state FEFP dollars to your local county school board, the Florida Department of Education deposits the child's per-pupil allocation into a restricted account administered by Step Up For Students or AAA Scholarship Foundation. Parents draw against that balance inside the EMA portal to pay participating private school tuition, hire Florida-licensed BCBA behavior analysts, pay certified tutors, or buy curriculum.
How much money does FES-UA provide per student?
Scholarship amounts are calculated directly from Florida's FEFP matrix formula. Under Step Up For Students' official 2026-27 award table, base awards for Cost Factors 251 to 253 run from $9,627 to $14,381 depending on county and grade. For children documented with extensive or pervasive support needs, Matrix Level 4 (Cost Factor 254) pays $21,379 to $25,701, and Matrix Level 5 (Cost Factor 255) pays $34,429 to $39,091 per school year. Volusia County sits at the low end of every range and Monroe County at the high end.
How do I get a Matrix 254 or 255 score for a higher award?
A private medical diagnosis form defaults your child to the base 251-253 tier (~$10k). Private doctors cannot legally complete a Florida Matrix of Services form. To qualify for Cost Factor 254 or 255, you must contact your local Florida school district ESE office or FDLRS Child Find specialist and request a formal matrix evaluation under IDEA rules, even if your child will attend private school or homeschool.
Why was my scholarship account frozen with a cross-check hold?
When a student withdraws from a public or charter school, district databases often take weeks to report the change to Tallahassee. During Step Up's monthly state FTE cross-checks, any lingering enrollment code flags the student as dually enrolled and freezes the scholarship account. To release the hold, ask your school district ESE Director or school registrar for an official letter on district letterhead confirming the exact withdrawal date and verifying non-enrollment. Step Up accepts this documentation to restore funding.
Who needs to complete the 2026-27 public school attestation?
For 2026-27, families receiving their Quarter 1 payment in September had to complete the public-school enrollment attestation by September 15, 2026; that deadline has passed. New Quarter 3 students and students flagged by a cross-check submit proof of withdrawal by December 9, 2026. July 31 is the withdrawal cutoff for a student whose family answers that the student is enrolled in public school, not the attestation deadline. Other families may need to submit proof of withdrawal for later funding quarters or a cross-check flag; Step Up notifies families when information is needed. Follow the notice and current handbook for your student's deadline.
Can FES-UA funds pay for ABA, speech, or occupational therapy?
Yes. FES-UA funds can cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy from Florida-licensed providers. For ABA, the clinician must be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in Florida. Parents can pay clinics directly through the EMA marketplace or submit reimbursement claims.
What is the deadline for 2025-26 school year reimbursements?
The 2025-26 reimbursement window, for eligible purchases made July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, closed October 31, 2026. For 2026-27 purchases, the request deadline is July 31, 2027. Check the official Unique Abilities reimbursement page and your EMA notice for the applicable school year.
What happens if my reimbursement request is denied in EMA?
EMA portal policy allows only one appeal for a denied reimbursement request. If your claim is denied due to an incomplete invoice, missing proof of payment, or lack of prior approval, you must provide all required documentation with your single appeal. If the appeal is rejected, the denial is final.
Can I use FES-UA for the Florida Prepaid College Program?
Yes. As of June 30, 2026, Florida Prepaid (Stanley G. Tate 529 plan) contributions must be handled via Direct Pay through EMA. Step Up no longer reimburses parents for out-of-pocket Florida Prepaid payments.
Who is legally allowed to document a diagnosis for FES-UA?
Diagnoses can be documented by a Florida-licensed physician (MD or DO), licensed psychologist, autonomous Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), or a Florida-licensed Physician Assistant (PA) acting under a supervising physician. Diagnosis paperwork signed by an authorized PA is now accepted.
Can homeschoolers use FES-UA without enrolling in private school?
Yes. Families registered with their school district as a home education program under Florida Statute 1002.41 can use FES-UA funds for curriculum, online instructional programs, tutoring, and therapies. You do not need to enroll in a private school to access the scholarship.
What expenses are strictly prohibited under FES-UA?
FES-UA cannot be used for general food or meals, transportation and gas, non-educational childcare, smart/augmented reality glasses, concerts, meet-and-greet events, pet supplies, theme park VIP upgrades, or toy weapons. Refer to the Step Up Purchasing Guide before purchasing questionable items.
Does using FES-UA waive my child's IDEA and FAPE rights?
Yes. Placing a student in a private school or home education setting with FES-UA means you decline an individual entitlement to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and the procedural protections of an IEP under IDEA. School districts retain Child Find duties to evaluate students, but they are not obligated to provide specialized services outside public placement.
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