Florida FES-UA Scholarship Guide 2026
The complete parent's guide to Florida's special needs education scholarship
What is the FES-UA Scholarship?
The FES-UA scholarship (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities) is a Florida state program that provides education savings accounts to families of children with disabilities. As of 2025-26, FES-UA serves over 140,000 students with an average award of approximately $10,000 per year. Funds can pay for private school tuition, ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, curriculum materials, tutoring, and other approved educational expenses.
Who Qualifies for FES-UA?
Age Requirements
Students must be ages 3 through 22 (or until 12th grade graduation, whichever comes first). High-risk preschoolers with documented developmental delays also qualify starting at age 3.
Documentation Required
- Proof of age: Birth certificate or passport
- Florida residency: Utility bill, lease, or government mail
- Qualifying diagnosis: IEP from a Florida school district OR diagnosis from a licensed physician or psychologist
Qualifying Diagnoses (Full List)
Your child must have one of these documented conditions:
Not sure if your child qualifies? If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, or has been diagnosed by a doctor or psychologist with any condition affecting learning, they likely qualify. Learn more about special education options →
Award Amounts (2025-26)
Per year, per student
Actual amounts vary by county and disability matrix level. Some students with intensive needs receive higher awards.
Funds are deposited quarterly into your student's EMA account:
- • Q1: September
- • Q2: November
- • Q3: February
- • Q4: April
How Award Amounts Are Calculated
Florida uses a "matrix" system based on your child's level of need. The matrix considers factors like required therapies, behavioral support, and medical needs. Your county's per-pupil funding rate also affects the final amount.
How to Apply for FES-UA
Choose Your Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO)
Step Up For Students
The largest SFO in Florida. Most families apply here.
- MyScholarShop for easy purchasing
- Larger provider network
- How-to videos and parent resources
AAA Scholarships
Another approved SFO option with strong support.
- Detailed payment schedules
- Phone support: 888-707-2465
- Alternative if Step Up waitlisted
Application Steps
Create an Account
Visit your chosen SFO website and create a parent account. You will receive an email to verify your account.
Gather Documents
Collect proof of age (birth certificate), Florida residency (utility bill or lease), and diagnosis documentation (IEP or doctor's letter).
Submit Application
Complete the online application and upload all required documents. Double-check for accuracy before submitting.
Wait for Approval
Processing takes 2-4 weeks. You will receive an email notification when approved.
Accept Your Award
Once approved, log in and accept your scholarship by the deadline. If you miss the deadline, you forfeit the award.
Start Using Funds
Funds deposit quarterly. Use MyScholarShop or submit reimbursement claims for approved purchases.
What Can You Buy with FES-UA?
FES-UA funds go into an education savings account (ESA) that works like a flexible fund. You direct the money to approved educational expenses. Here is a breakdown of what qualifies:
- Private school tuition and fees
- Homeschool curriculum
- Online learning programs
- Tutoring services
- Instructional materials
- ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
- Speech-language pathology
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Listening and spoken language specialists
- Nationally norm-referenced tests
- AP exams
- Industry certifications
- Educational evaluations
- College courses (dual enrollment)
- Postsecondary tuition and fees in Florida
- Florida Prepaid contributions
- Career training programs
What FES-UA Does NOT Cover
- • Food, snacks, or meals
- • Transportation or gas
- • Childcare not related to education
- • Sports equipment or recreational items
- • General household expenses
Tip: When in doubt, contact your SFO before purchasing. Pre-approval prevents reimbursement issues.
FES-UA vs Other Florida Scholarships
Florida offers several education scholarship programs. Let's break it down so you can pick the right one:
| Scholarship | Who Qualifies | Avg. Award | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FES-UA | Students with documented disabilities (ages 3-22) | ~$10,000 | Students needing therapies + private school |
| FES-EO | K-12 students (income-based priority) | ~$8,000 | Private school tuition |
| FTC | K-12 students (income-based) | ~$8,000 | Private school tuition |
| PEP | Homeschool families | Varies | Curriculum, tutoring, materials |
| NWSA | K-5 students not reading at grade level | Varies | Literacy tutoring and materials |
Which Should You Choose?
- If your child has a disability: Apply for FES-UA first. It offers the highest awards and most flexibility for therapies.
- If your child does not have a disability: FTC or FES-EO for private school; PEP for homeschooling.
- If your child struggles with reading: NWSA provides targeted literacy support.
Note: You can only hold one Step Up scholarship at a time. Choose the one that best fits your child's needs.
Deadlines and Key Dates (2026-27)
Applications Open February 1, 2026
Mark your calendar. New applications for the 2026-27 school year open on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Start gathering your documents now so you are ready to apply on day one.
Renewal Priority Applicants
- April 30: Renewal application deadline
- May 31: Accept or decline scholarship award
New Applicants (2025-26 Reference)
- February 1: Applications open
- November 15: New application deadline (2025-26)
- December 15: Accept or decline award deadline
Dates for 2026-27 may vary. Check your SFO website for exact deadlines.
Payment Schedule (2025-26)
Find FES-UA Schools in Florida
Ready to find schools that accept FES-UA funding? We connect Florida families with verified special needs schools based on your child's needs.
Location-Based Matching
Find schools near your home or work
Needs-Based Filtering
Match with schools serving your child's diagnosis
FES-UA Acceptance
All schools in our network accept FES-UA
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find the Right School?
Our team connects Florida families with verified special needs schools that accept FES-UA funding. Tell us about your child and we will identify schools that match your criteria.
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