Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help, visit the official program website.
Summary
The Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) empowers families of children with disabilities, as young as 3 years of age, to access additional education options. Families may choose to enroll their child in another public school better suited to their child’s needs. They may also choose to take the opportunity to receive an education savings account (ESA) for their child.
The ESA portion of the program allows parents to use funds for various educational expenses like private school tuition, homeschooling options, therapies, tutoring, and more. Students can continue to receive scholarship funding until they graduate from high school, reach age 22, or return to public school. Unspent funds can roll over from year to year and are refunded to the state if not used for eligible post-secondary education. Scholarship law prohibits additional funding for a Florida FES-UA student whose ESA balance is in excess of $50,000.
Student Funding
Funding Type: Education Savings Account (ESA)
Average Award Amount: $10,000.00
The funding amount under the Florida FES-UA program is dependent on a number of factors. These include:
- grade level
- county of residence
- a child’s individual level of need
Depending upon the year for your application, there is also a cap of enrollment so be sure to apply as early as possible. There are exceptions for:
- Dependent children of active-duty members of the US Armed Forces
- Dependent children of law enforcement officers
- Children in foster care
- Adopted children
- Children reported for funding during either the preceding October or February FEFP Survey
- Children receiving VPK specialized instructional services during the previous school year
Student Eligibility
Eligible children for the Florida FES-UA include children 3 or 4 years old, or eligible to enroll in K-12th grade in a Florida public school. In addition, the child must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a diagnosis of a disability from a licensed physician or psychologist. The program FAQ from the Florida Department of Education site provides more information on eligible disability diagnoses.
Rules & Requirements
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Florida.
- Educational Status: The student must be 3 or 4 years old, or eligible to enroll in kindergarten through 12th grade in a public school in Florida. The student must also have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a diagnosis of a disability from a licensed physician or psychologist.
- School Requirements: If ESA funds are to be used at a private school, the school must be approved by the Florida Department of Education.
- Program Administration: You will work with your selected scholarship funding organization (SFO) under this program.
Using Your Funds
ESA funds through the Florida FES-UA cover private school tuition, fees, and approved educational expenses. Requests for purchases and reimbursements from ESA funds are reviewed by SFOs to verify eligibility under program rules.
The family will be responsible for any costs that are beyond ESA funds and/or not eligible for payment from ESA funds.
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your child meets the income and residency requirements. You can find more details in this FAQ from the Florida Department of Education site.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof of residency, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a diagnosis of a disability from a licensed physician or psychologist. Review the program FAQ from the Florida Department of Education site for more information on eligible disability diagnoses.
- Choose a Scholarship Provider: Choose a non-profit scholarship funding organization (SFO) that is administering the program through the Florida Department of Education SFO site.
- Complete the Application: Follow the FES-UA application process on your chosen scholarship provider’s site during the open enrollment period.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation.
- Compliance: Ensure you are in compliance with the program by reviewing the materials provided to you by the scholarship provider.
- Additional information: Please refer to the program FAQs.
For other Florida School Choice Programs: Refer to our Florida State Summary.