What a Florida scholarship can buy for a Pinellas student
Florida's account programs pay for much more than a school seat. Each category shows the rule for FES-UA, PEP and the Private School Scholarship, what is excluded, and a Pinellas note. Pinellas awards: $8,643 K-3 · $8,059 4-8 · $7,868 9-12.
Last verified: October 2026
Which Florida scholarships can pay for more than tuition?
The two account programs, the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA) and PEP, pay for approved items beyond tuition; the Private School Scholarship pays the school first and allows a narrow list of other uses only from money left over.
Each category below shows the status for all three programs.
How do purchases get paid?
Through Step Up's online marketplace, by direct payment to approved providers, or by reimbursement with an itemized receipt.
Anything not clearly listed needs pre-authorization before you buy, and 2026-27 money must be spent by June 30, 2027.
Academic support
Part-time tutoring
A tutor is the most flexible thing a Florida scholarship account can buy, as long as the tutor holds one of the credentials Step Up recognizes.
Rules →Academic supportReading intervention and dyslexia support
Structured-literacy help can be bought as tutoring, as curriculum or as a therapy service, and the label depends on who delivers it.
Rules →Academic supportTesting and evaluations
Norm-referenced tests, AP exams, certification exams and some evaluations are payable from scholarship accounts.
Rules →Therapies (FES-UA)
Speech-language therapy
Speech-language pathology is one of the therapy services Florida's Unique Abilities law names directly.
Rules →Therapies (FES-UA)Occupational and physical therapy
OT and PT by licensed providers are therapy services an FES-UA account can pay for.
Rules →Therapies (FES-UA)ABA therapy for autism
Applied Behavior Analysis delivered by or under a Board Certified Behavior Analyst is a covered FES-UA service.
Rules →Learning materials
Curriculum and books
Full curricula, single-subject courses and self-paced programs are allowed across Florida's account programs.
Rules →Learning materialsOnline courses and virtual school
Florida separates self-paced online courses, live instruction from an approved online provider and full-time virtual school.
Rules →Technology
Laptops, tablets and computers
Only one Florida program pays for a computer: the Unique Abilities Scholarship, once every two years.
Rules →TechnologyHome internet
FES-UA can pay for in-home internet, including hotspots, at the address on the scholarship application.
Rules →Electives and experiences
Music lessons and instruments
Private lessons, instruments and rentals are elective expenses in the account programs.
Rules →Electives and experiencesSports lessons and P.E.
Lessons, team fees and some P.E. equipment are payable; spectator tickets are not.
Rules →Electives and experiencesField trips and museum admission
Student admission to museums, aquariums and parks can be an educational expense; extras like food and parking cannot.
Rules →High school
At a private school
Not covered
Transportation
Florida's scholarships do not pay for getting a child to school.
Rules →Not coveredFood, lodging and aftercare
Lunch programs, extended care and overnight camp costs are the reimbursements most often refused.
Rules →What each program can and can't pay for, at a glance
| Item | FES-UA | PEP | Private School Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Yes | Part-time only | Yes |
| Therapies | Yes | No | No |
| Computers | Once every 2 years | No | No |
| Transportation | No | No | No |
Want a spending plan for the account?
We match your child's award to the spending categories that fit.