What FES-UA Funds Can (and Can't) Pay For
Complete spending guide
Know exactly what's covered before you spend. Tutoring, therapy, curriculum, technology — and what to avoid.
💡 Quick Answer: What Can FES-UA Pay For?
FES-UA covers four main categories: (1) instructional services like tutoring and therapy, (2) instructional materials like curriculum and textbooks, (3) tuition at eligible private schools, and (4) other approved expenses like standardized testing and college savings. Tutoring by certified educators through approved providers like us is fully covered — we bill your EMA account directly, no out-of-pocket cost. FES-UA cannot pay for food, general transportation, household expenses, or items already reimbursed.
One of the most common questions we hear: "What exactly can I use FES-UA money for?"
The short answer: a lot more than most families realize. Florida's FES-UA scholarship covers specialized tutoring, therapy services, curriculum, technology, and more. But there are limits — and knowing them upfront saves frustration.
For details on how much funding you might receive, see our FES-UA matrix codes guide.
The Four Main Expense Categories
Florida Statute 1002.394 defines four broad categories of approved FES-UA expenses:
1. Instructional Services
- ✓ Specialized tutoring (1-on-1 or small group)
- ✓ Speech-language therapy
- ✓ Occupational therapy (OT)
- ✓ Physical therapy (PT)
- ✓ Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- ✓ Listening and spoken language therapy
- ✓ Educational evaluations
2. Instructional Materials
- ✓ Curriculum (physical or digital)
- ✓ Textbooks and workbooks
- ✓ Educational software
- ✓ Supplemental learning materials
- ✓ Assistive technology devices
3. Tuition and Fees
- ✓ Private school tuition (FLDOE-listed)
- ✓ Part-time enrollment programs
- ✓ Virtual school programs
- ✓ Umbrella school tuition (FLDOE-registered)
4. Other Approved Expenses
- ✓ Standardized testing fees
- ✓ Portfolio evaluation fees
- ✓ Florida Prepaid or 529 contributions
- ✓ Transportation to providers (limited)
Tutoring: What's Covered
This is where we come in. FES-UA covers specialized tutoring when:
What tutoring looks like with FES-UA:
- 1 You authorize us in your EMA portal
- 2 Your child attends 1-on-1 sessions (online or in-person)
- 3 We submit invoices to your EMA account
- 4 You review and approve (or set up auto-approve)
- 5 Done — no out-of-pocket cost
Families in Miami and Orlando use FES-UA for specialized tutoring every week. The process is seamless once you're set up.
Therapy Services: What's Covered
FES-UA covers therapy services from qualified providers:
Speech-Language Therapy
Provider must be FL DOH-licensed SLP or CF under supervision
Covers: articulation, language, fluency, feeding/swallowing
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Provider must be FL DOH-licensed OT or OTA under supervision
Covers: fine motor, sensory processing, self-care skills
Physical Therapy (PT)
Provider must be FL DOH-licensed PT or PTA under supervision
Covers: gross motor, mobility, strength, coordination
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Provider must be BACB-certified (BCBA, BCaBA, or RBT under supervision) AND APD-approved in Florida
Covers: autism-related behavioral intervention
Listening and Spoken Language Therapy
Provider must be certified LSLS (Listening and Spoken Language Specialist)
Covers: therapy for children with hearing loss
Curriculum and Materials: What Counts
FES-UA covers educational materials through MyScholarShop (Step Up) or direct purchase with reimbursement (AAA).
✓ Approved
- • Complete curriculum packages (Abeka, BJU, Sonlight, etc.)
- • Individual subject curricula
- • Workbooks and student materials
- • Educational software and apps
- • Manipulatives (math blocks, science kits)
- • Art and music supplies (curriculum-tied)
✗ Not Approved
- • General entertainment (non-educational games)
- • Toys without learning objective
- • Household supplies
- • Furniture (desks, chairs)
Technology — Special Rules
- • Laptops and tablets: Allowed once every 24 months per student
- • Must be used primarily for education
- • Educational software is separate from hardware limits
What FES-UA Cannot Pay For
Be clear on what's excluded:
Food and meals
No groceries, snacks, or meal delivery
General transportation
Gas, car payments, general travel
Household expenses
Rent, utilities, internet service, furniture
Items already purchased
FES-UA is not retroactive
Items within restriction windows
Laptops/tablets have 24-month limits
Duplicate services
Can't double-bill for district-provided services
Common Reasons MyScholarShop Orders Get Denied
Step Up's MyScholarShop is convenient, but orders do get denied. Common reasons:
1. Missing sales tax
Florida sales tax must be included. Some out-of-state vendors don't collect it automatically.
2. Item previously purchased within restriction window
Technology items have 24-month restrictions. System tracks previous purchases.
3. Item not on approved list
MyScholarShop curates approved items. Custom orders require pre-approval.
4. Insufficient balance
Order exceeds remaining award balance. Check your balance before ordering.
5. Documentation missing
Some items require justification. Special requests need explanation.
6. Vendor not approved
Purchases outside MyScholarShop require approved vendors. Check Step Up's vendor list first.
How to fix a denied order:
- Log into EMA
- Check denial reason
- Contact Step Up support: 1-877-735-7837
- Resubmit with corrections or documentation
Spending Tips for Families
Start with high-impact services first
If your child needs tutoring or therapy, prioritize those. These are the services most likely to produce measurable gains — and they're recurring, so you'll use your funds throughout the year.
Plan your technology purchases
The 24-month restriction means you should plan ahead. Buy a quality laptop/tablet that will last, not a cheap one you'll need to replace soon.
Keep receipts and documentation
Even with direct-pay through EMA, keep your own records. You'll need them for resolving disputes, tax documentation, and future reference.
Check balances regularly
Log into your portal monthly. Know what you've spent, what's pending, and what's left. Don't assume — verify.
Ask before buying
If you're unsure whether something is covered, ask first. Contact Step Up (1-877-735-7837) or AAA (888-707-2465) before making large purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use FES-UA for tutoring?
Yes. Tutoring by certified educators through approved providers is fully covered. We're a registered Step Up provider — families authorize us in EMA, we bill directly, no out-of-pocket cost.
Can I use FES-UA for ABA therapy?
Yes, if the provider is BACB-certified and APD-approved in Florida. ABA is one of the most common FES-UA therapy uses for children with autism.
Can I buy a laptop with FES-UA?
Yes, once every 24 months per student. The laptop must be used primarily for education. Educational software is a separate allowance.
Why was my MyScholarShop order denied?
Common reasons: missing sales tax, item within restriction window, insufficient balance, or item requires pre-approval. Log into EMA to see the specific denial reason.
Can I use FES-UA for homeschool curriculum?
Yes. Complete curriculum packages, individual subject materials, workbooks, and educational software are all covered through MyScholarShop or approved vendors.
Does FES-UA cover private school tuition?
Yes, if the school is in the FLDOE Private School Directory. Tuition is paid directly to the school through your FES-UA account.
Can I get reimbursed for things I already bought?
No. FES-UA is not retroactive. Purchases must be made after your application is approved and funds are loaded.
Can I use FES-UA for transportation?
Limited. Transportation directly to and from approved therapy or tutoring providers may be covered with documentation. General transportation (gas, car payments) is not covered.
What happens to unused FES-UA funds?
Unused funds roll over to the next year, up to a $50,000 maximum ESA balance. You don't lose what you don't spend.
Can I use FES-UA for college savings?
Yes. You can contribute to Florida Prepaid or a 529 college savings plan using FES-UA funds.
Ready to Use Your FES-UA for Tutoring?
Once you're approved, specialized tutoring is one of the highest-impact uses for your FES-UA funds. Your child gets 1-on-1 support from certified educators who understand their specific learning needs.
We're a registered Step Up provider. Families authorize us in Find Providers, we bill EMA directly, and there's never an out-of-pocket cost for you.
Book a Free Consultation →Sources: Florida Statutes 1002.394, Step Up For Students Purchasing Guidelines, FLDOE FES-UA Program Information
Last updated: May 2026