Last verified: October 2026
Can a Pinellas family pay for speech-language therapy with scholarship funds?
Speech-language pathology is one of the therapy services Florida's Unique Abilities law names directly.
Payable to a licensed speech-language pathologist or another approved provider, including by telehealth.
PEP does not pay for licensed therapies.
Not a Private School Scholarship expense unless the school bills it as part of its own program.
Which rules apply?
- The provider must hold the license or approval the guide requires.
- Sessions already paid by insurance cannot be billed again.
What is allowed and what isn't
| Allowed | Not allowed | |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Yes | — |
| PEP (home-directed account) | — | Yes |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | — | Yes |
What is excluded?
- Doctor visits and general medical care
- Double billing with insurance
What should Pinellas families know?
A child can stay at a Pinellas parish or Christian school while the same FES-UA balance pays an outside speech clinic; ask the clinic how it bills Step Up.
How is it paid?
Look in Step Up's marketplace first, then pay an approved provider directly from the account; otherwise pay by card, keep the itemized receipt and request reimbursement. Anything not clearly eligible needs pre-authorization before you buy.
Related questions
Summary only, not legal advice; your scholarship organization's handbook controls.