(Mom-to-Mom Edition: Accurate, factual information from official Florida sources)

Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-UA) Guide for Home Educators

FES-UA + Home Education in Florida: Quick Start Guide

1. What FES-UA Is (In One Sentence)

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is Florida’s education savings account (ESA) for kids with disabilities that gives you state funds to pay for curriculum, therapies, equipment, and other educational supports.

2. Who Can Qualify?

Your child may qualify if:

They have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or
A diagnosis from a U.S. licensed physician or Florida licensed psychologist for a qualifying disability, and
They are a Florida resident, age 3–22 (or K–12), and
They meet school attendance through either:
- A registered home education program, or
- Full-time enrollment at an eligible private school

You only need one of the pathways (IEP or diagnosis), not both.

3. Two Ways to Use FES-UA

Path 1: Home Education Program + FES-UA

You keep your home education program registered with your county.
You must still follow Section 1002.41, Florida Statutes (portfolio, annual evaluation, notice of intent/termination).
FES-UA funds support your home education (curriculum, therapies, equipment, and more).

Path 2: Private School + FES-UA

Your child enrolls full-time in a qualifying private school.
FES-UA can pay tuition and fees plus some extra services.

This guide focuses on Path 1: Home Education + FES-UA.

4. How Much Money Are We Talking About?

Most students funded at Level 1–3 (no high matrix) receive roughly $8,000–$10,000+ per year.
Students with higher matrix levels (254 or 255) often receive significantly more funding.
Exact amounts depend on county, grade, and matrix/diagnosis.
Funds are deposited into your ESA four times a year (quarterly).

5. What You Can Use FES-UA Funds For

Common eligible expenses include curriculum, therapies, assistive technology, tutoring, online programs, evaluations, and some testing fees.

6. Your Home Education Responsibilities Do Not Go Away

Even with FES-UA, you must still register a home education program, keep a portfolio, complete an annual evaluation, and submit results to your superintendent.

7. FES-UA vs. PEP vs. Traditional Home Education

Program	Key Feature
FES-UA + Home Education	Child has disability (IEP or diagnosis); you keep home education registration and follow Section 1002.41.
PEP	Not disability-based; you must terminate your home education program (PEP is not home education).
Traditional Home Education	No ESA funding; you pay for everything yourself; you follow Section 1002.41 but do not have ESA rules.

8. How to Get Started (3-Step Snapshot)

Register or confirm your home education program with your district.
Choose an SFO (Step Up For Students or AAA) and submit an FES-UA application with your child’s IEP or diagnosis.
Once approved, set up your ESA, learn the purchasing rules, and start using funds.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

If the Quick Start Guide gave you a good overview but you’re still wondering how FES-UA actually works for your family, the full guide below walks you through everything step by step.

In the full FES-UA home education guide below, you will find:

Exactly how to qualify for FES-UA
What the law requires for home education families
A clear explanation of matrix levels, funding, and ESA accounts
What you can (and cannot) buy with your scholarship
How to avoid common mistakes other parents wish they had known sooner
A side-by-side comparison of FES-UA vs. PEP vs. traditional home education
Practical tips from families using the program

What Exactly Is FES-UA?

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is Florida’s education savings account (ESA) program designed for students with disabilities and unique abilities. It gives you the freedom to direct your child’s education using state funds deposited into an ESA account.

The scholarship is administered by two approved Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs) — not by your local school district:

Step Up For Students (SUFS)
AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA)

Official FLDOE FES-UA Page:
https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/fes-ua/

Critical Information for Home Educators

FES-UA works differently from PEP. With FES-UA, you can maintain your home education program registration while receiving scholarship funds. With PEP, you must terminate your home education registration.

Florida law uses the term “home education program” (not “homeschool”) to describe families who educate at home under Section 1002.41, Florida Statutes. This is the legal framework you are operating under when you use FES-UA with home education.

Two basic paths to use FES-UA:

Path 1: Home Education Program + FES-UA – you register and maintain a home education program with your county superintendent, follow Section 1002.41, and use FES-UA funds to support your home education.
Path 2: Private School + FES-UA – your child enrolls full-time at an eligible private school and uses FES-UA funds for tuition, fees, and certain additional services.

This guide focuses on using FES-UA with a home education program (Path 1).

Who Qualifies for FES-UA?

Your child may be eligible for FES-UA if they meet any one of the following pathways (you do not need all of them):

Option 1: Active IEP

Your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) written in accordance with State Board of Education rules. This typically comes from public school enrollment, but private and home education students can also request evaluations from their local district.

Option 2: Diagnosis from a Licensed Professional

Your child has been diagnosed by a U.S. licensed physician or Florida licensed psychologist with one of the qualifying disabilities listed in Section 1002.394, Florida Statutes, including (not limited to):

Autism spectrum disorder
Down syndrome
Intellectual disability
Cerebral palsy
Developmental delay (age-dependent)
Prader–Willi syndrome
Phelan-McDermid syndrome
Williams syndrome
Spina bifida
Muscular dystrophy
Hearing impairment (including deafness)
Visual impairment (including blindness)
Traumatic brain injury
Dual sensory impairment
Hospital or homebound status
Other health impairment
Emotional or behavioral disability
Speech/language impairment
Specific learning disability
“Rare diseases” (conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.)
And other categories specified in Section 1002.394, Florida Statutes.

Additional Requirements

Age: Student is ages 3–22, or kindergarten through grade 12.
Residency: Florida resident.
Attendance: Student meets Florida’s regular school attendance requirements through either:
- Full-time enrollment at an eligible private school, or
- A home education program registered with the school district under Section 1002.41.

Official eligibility details:
https://www.stepupforstudents.org/scholarships/ua/

How Much Funding Do Students Receive?

FES-UA scholarship amounts vary based on three factors:

County of residence
Student’s grade level
Matrix level of services (if applicable)

Typical Funding Ranges

Diagnosis only or Matrix Level 1–3 (251–253): most students receive around $8,000–$10,000 per year.
Matrix Level 254 or 255: students with the highest levels of documented need often receive significantly more funding, sometimes more than double the Level 1–3 amount.

Understanding Matrix Levels

If your child was previously enrolled in public school and received ESE (Exceptional Student Education) services, they may have a “matrix level of services” on file with the Florida Department of Education. This matrix helps determine higher funding levels for students with more significant support needs.

New FES-UA students without a matrix level are typically funded at the Level 1–3 (251–253) amount. You can request that your local school district conduct a matrix evaluation if you believe your child may qualify for a higher level of services.

Funds are deposited into your ESA account on a quarterly schedule (four times per school year).

Current award amount charts (by county and grade) are available from Step Up For Students:
FES-UA Scholarship Award Amounts (PDF)

What Can You Use FES-UA Funds For?

According to Florida law and SFO purchasing guidelines, FES-UA can be used for a wide range of educational expenses that support the eligible student’s learning and development.

Curriculum and Instructional Materials

Textbooks and workbooks
Educational books and literature
Manipulatives and learning materials
Educational games and activities
Science kits and lab supplies

Therapies and Specialized Services

Speech-language therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Music therapy
Art therapy
Other approved therapeutic services

Specialized Equipment and Assistive Technology

Communication devices
Adaptive equipment
Assistive technology
Sensory materials and equipment
Computer software and educational apps

Educational Services

Part-time tutoring services
Private school tuition (if using a hybrid approach)
Online courses and programs
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) as a private-pay student
Diagnostic and educational evaluations

Standardized Testing and Assessments

Fees for national standardized tests
College entrance exam fees (SAT, ACT)
Subject-specific assessments

College Savings

Contributions to Florida Prepaid College Program
Contributions to Florida 529 savings plans (subject to current guidelines)

Note: College savings and prepaid tuition options have specific requirements. Check your SFO’s most recent purchasing guidelines before making contributions.

Other Eligible Expenses

Educational field trips and experiences (typically student admission only)
Physical education equipment for individual use
Musical instruments and maintenance
Educational subscriptions and memberships

Important Notes About Purchasing

Some items require pre-authorization from your SFO before purchase.
Items must be educationally appropriate and support the eligible student’s learning.
You can purchase through direct-pay vendors or pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement.
Books and materials that promote violence or criminal behavior are not eligible.
Age-appropriateness and educational benefit are considered in purchase reviews.

Step Up For Students FES-UA purchasing guidelines:
FES-UA Agreed-Upon Purchasing Guidelines (PDF)

FES-UA + Home Education: Your Legal Requirements

FES-UA does not replace your home education program registration. You must continue to meet all requirements of Section 1002.41, Florida Statutes, while using FES-UA with home education.

1. Home Education Registration (Within 30 Days)

You must file a written notice of intent with your county school superintendent that includes:

Full legal names of all children in your home education program
Addresses
Birthdates
Parent or guardian signature

The superintendent must immediately register your home education program upon receipt and cannot require additional information unless your child participates in a district program or service.

2. Portfolio Maintenance

You must maintain a portfolio of records and materials that includes:

A log of educational activities made contemporaneously (at the time of instruction) that designates reading materials by title
Samples of student work such as writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials

The portfolio must be preserved for two years and made available for inspection by the superintendent upon 15 days’ written notice.

3. Annual Educational Evaluation

Each year, you must have your child evaluated using one of these options:

An evaluation by a Florida-certified teacher
A nationally normed achievement test administered by a Florida-certified teacher
State student assessment tests administered by a Florida-certified teacher at a district-approved location
A psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist (Section 490.003, Florida Statutes)
Any other valid measurement tool mutually agreed upon by you and the district superintendent

You must submit the annual evaluation results to your county superintendent.

4. Notice of Termination

When you complete or end your home education program, you must file a written notice of termination within 30 days, along with the final annual evaluation.

Key points for home educators using FES-UA:

No teaching certificate is required for parents.
School districts cannot add extra requirements beyond Section 1002.41.
Your home education program exists to meet attendance requirements and remains separate from public school enrollment.
FES-UA funds supplement your home education but do not change your obligations under home education law.

Florida home education law (Section 1002.41):
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/1002.41

FLDOE home education information:
https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/home-edu/

Access Points and Academic Standards

Some FES-UA students follow Access Points instead of general education standards. Access Points are modified academic standards designed specifically for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

What Are Access Points?

Access Points reflect the key concepts of Florida’s academic standards but at reduced levels of complexity. They are intended to provide access to the core intent of grade-level standards for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

Who Uses Access Points?

Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities
Students whose IEP team has determined that they cannot access grade-level standards even with accommodations
Students who participate in the Florida Alternate Assessment (FAA) instead of general statewide assessments

Not all FES-UA students use Access Points. Many follow grade-level standards with accommodations and modifications.

The Florida Alternate Assessment (FAA)

The Florida Alternate Assessment is designed for students whose participation in the general statewide assessment program is not appropriate, even with accommodations. It uses formats such as performance-based tasks or portfolio-style assessments, depending on grade and subject.

For home education students, assessment requirements are governed by Section 1002.41. You meet your legal obligations through one of the five home education evaluation options, not through the FAA, unless your child is enrolled in a school that requires it.

Access Points standards and resources:
https://www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/access-points.stml

How the ESA Account Works

FES-UA uses an Education Savings Account (ESA) model. Funds are deposited into your student’s account and can be used for eligible expenses throughout the school year.

Account Management

Quarterly deposits: Funds are deposited four times per school year.
Two payment options:
- Direct pay: Approved vendors bill the SFO directly.
- Reimbursement: You pay out of pocket and submit receipts through your SFO portal.

Making Purchases

For pre-approved items:

Shop through MyScholarShop (Step Up’s online marketplace).
Choose items and services from approved vendors.
Payment is processed directly from your ESA.

For items requiring pre-authorization:

Submit a pre-authorization request through your SFO portal.
Include item details and educational justification.
Wait for approval before purchasing.
Submit receipts for reimbursement after purchase if needed.

For out-of-pocket reimbursements:

Purchase eligible items or services with your own funds.
Log into your SFO portal.
Upload itemized receipts and any supporting documentation.
Submit your reimbursement request.

Documentation Requirements

Keep all receipts and invoices.
Document educational purpose for items that require justification.
Track spending by category in your SFO portal.

Important Rules

Funds must be used only for the educational needs of the eligible student.
Using funds for non-educational purposes may violate Florida law and SFO rules.
SFOs review purchases and can approve or deny reimbursement based on guidelines.
Unused funds generally remain in the account for future quarters within the school year and may roll over when you renew, subject to current program rules.

Step Up For Students MyScholarShop information:
https://www.stepupforstudents.org/myscholarshop/

FDLRS: Free Support for Families

The Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) provides free services to all Florida families, including those using home education and FES-UA.

FDLRS Services

Diagnostic evaluations
Parent training workshops
Guidance on disability supports and services
Help understanding Access Points and IEPs
Support navigating special education options
Information about assistive technology

Why this matters for home educators:

FDLRS can help you understand evaluation reports and recommendations.
You can learn practical strategies for teaching children with specific disabilities.
You can connect with other parents and resources in your region.

FDLRS Parent Services:
https://fdlrs.org/parent-services/

Who Administers FES-UA?

FES-UA is administered by two Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs). You apply through one of them and manage your ESA through their portal.

Step Up For Students (SUFS)

Website:
https://www.stepupforstudents.org/scholarships/ua/

Step Up provides:

Application and eligibility processing
ESA funding management
MyScholarShop marketplace
Reimbursement processing
Parent training and support resources

Step Up FES-UA Parent Handbook:
FES-UA Parent Handbook (PDF)

Contact: 1-877-735-7837

AAA Scholarship Foundation (AAA)

Website:
https://www.aaascholarships.org/parents/florida/unique-abilities-scholarship/

AAA provides:

Application and eligibility review
ESA account management
Documentation review
Reimbursement processing
Parent support resources

How to Apply for FES-UA

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation

Proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or similar document)
Proof of your child’s age (birth certificate or equivalent)
Disability documentation:
- Current IEP from a Florida school district, or
- Diagnosis letter from a U.S. licensed physician or Florida licensed psychologist
Home education registration confirmation (if already registered)

Step 2: Choose Your SFO

Decide whether to apply through Step Up For Students or AAA Scholarship Foundation. You can only have one active FES-UA account per student at a time.

Step 3: Create an Online Account

Step Up For Students:

Visit Step Up For Students – FES-UA
Create an EMA (Education Management Application) account.
Follow the on-screen prompts and video tutorials.

AAA Scholarship Foundation:

Visit AAA FES-UA Page
Create a parent account.
Follow their application instructions.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Fill out all required fields accurately.
Upload the required documents.
Sign the sworn compliance statement and agree to terms and conditions.
Submit your application.

Step 5: Wait for Eligibility Determination

Your SFO reviews your application and documentation.
They may request additional information or clarification.
Processing time can vary but is often several weeks.
You will receive an email or portal notification when a decision is made.

Step 6: Accept the Award and Set Up Your ESA

Log into your SFO portal to accept the scholarship award.
Set up your bank information for reimbursements (if using reimbursement).
Register for MyScholarShop (if using Step Up).
Attend any available parent training webinars to understand the system.

Renewal Applications

FES-UA scholarships must be renewed each year. Current recipients typically receive email reminders and instructions from their SFO. You will need to confirm continued eligibility and complete any required forms in your portal.

Step Up For Students “How-To” videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@StepUpForStudents/videos

FES-UA vs. PEP vs. Traditional Home Education

Understanding the differences between FES-UA, PEP, and traditional home education can help you decide which path best fits your family.

Feature	FES-UA + Home Education	PEP	Traditional Home Education
ESA funding	Yes	Yes	No
Requires disability (IEP or diagnosis)	Yes	No	No
Maintain home education registration	Yes (required)	No (must terminate home education)	Yes
Home education law (Section 1002.41) applies	Yes	No (different rules)	Yes
Therapies covered by ESA	Yes	Some	No (pay out of pocket)
Parent directs education	Yes	Yes	Yes
Annual evaluation required	Yes (home education requirements)	Yes (under PEP rules)	Yes (home education requirements)
Portfolio required	Yes (home education)	No	Yes (home education)
Typical annual funding range	Approximately $8,000–$10,000+ (more with higher matrix)	Approximately $8,000–$10,000 (varies)	$0 (parent-funded)

The key distinction: FES-UA allows you to keep your home education program while receiving ESA funds. PEP requires you to terminate home education and follow a separate set of rules.

Practical Tips for Home Educators Using FES-UA

Getting Started

Register your home education program first, or confirm that it is in good standing.
Organize your documentation (diagnoses, IEPs, evaluation reports, etc.) in one place.
Join FES-UA parent groups and local support communities for real-world tips.
Watch your SFO’s training webinars before making big purchases.

Managing Your ESA

Track your spending by category (curriculum, therapies, equipment, etc.).
Use pre-authorization for any large or unusual purchases.
Keep copies of every receipt and invoice.
Submit reimbursement requests regularly instead of waiting until the end of a quarter.
Plan ahead for big expenses around the quarterly deposit schedule.

Educational Planning

Connect with other FES-UA families who have children with similar needs.
Use FDLRS and other supports to learn new teaching strategies.
Keep work samples that show progress for both your portfolio and ESA justification.
Balance academic subjects and therapies, using FES-UA for both as needed.

Annual Evaluation

Choose your evaluation method early and schedule ahead.
Ask about appropriate accommodations if using standardized tests.
Keep copies of evaluation reports for your records.
Submit evaluation results to your superintendent as required by home education law.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming every educational item will automatically be approved.
Skipping or skimming the purchasing guidelines.
Neglecting your home education portfolio because you are focused on ESA records.
Missing annual evaluation deadlines.
Failing to keep adequate documentation for both home education and ESA compliance.
Buying items that require pre-authorization without getting approval first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to give up my home education registration to use FES-UA?
No. Unlike PEP, FES-UA allows you to maintain your home education registration and continue following Section 1002.41.

Can I use FES-UA funds for regular homeschool curriculum?
Yes. Curriculum and instructional materials are eligible expenses, as long as they meet your SFO’s guidelines and are appropriate for your child.

What if my child does not have an IEP?
Your child can still qualify with a diagnosis from a U.S. licensed physician or Florida licensed psychologist for a qualifying disability. An IEP is not required if you have acceptable diagnostic documentation.

Can I get an IEP from my school district while we home educate?
Yes. School districts can evaluate home education and private school students. Contact your district’s ESE department to request an evaluation.

Does my child have to take the Florida Alternate Assessment (FAA)?
No. As a home education parent, your required assessments are those described in Section 1002.41 (the five evaluation options). If your child is enrolled in a private school while using FES-UA, they follow that school’s assessment policies.

Can I combine FES-UA funded therapies with privately paid therapies?
Yes. Many families use a mix of FES-UA-funded services and additional therapies they pay for themselves.

What happens to unused funds at the end of the year?
Unused funds may roll over to the next school year when you renew, subject to current program rules and your SFO’s policies. Always check current guidelines.

Can my child participate in public school activities while using FES-UA?
This depends on local district policies and the specific program. Contact your SFO and your district for current guidance.

What if I think my child needs a higher matrix level?
You can contact your local school district’s ESE department and request a matrix evaluation. If your child has been in public school before, a matrix level may already be on file.

Key Official Resources

Final Thoughts: Making FES-UA Work for Your Family

Navigating special education, home education, and scholarship programs in Florida can feel overwhelming, but FES-UA can also be a powerful tool. It allows you to give your child customized therapies, specialized curriculum, and individualized attention, while preserving the flexibility and family-centered approach of home education.

Keep in mind:

You are not alone. Connect with other FES-UA home educators and support groups.
Take advantage of free FDLRS support and your SFO’s training resources.
Read the purchasing guidelines and home education law carefully.
Keep excellent records for both your home education portfolio and ESA documentation.
Ask questions when you are unsure—your SFO is there to help.
You know your child best. Use FES-UA to build the educational program your child truly needs.

Every family’s FES-UA journey looks a little different, and that is okay. The key is understanding your options, knowing your responsibilities, and using the tools available to you with confidence.

Questions or Need Support?

Contact your chosen SFO:

Step Up For Students: 1-877-735-7837 or [email protected]
AAA Scholarship Foundation: See current contact information on
the AAA FES-UA website

This guide is based on current law and program materials available at the time of writing. For the most current requirements, award amounts, and purchasing guidelines, always check the latest official documentation from the Florida Department of Education and your Scholarship Funding Organization.