FES-UA (the Unique Abilities Scholarship) pays more for students with higher matrix levels. For 2026-27, matrix levels 1-3 (251-253), or a qualifying diagnosis without a matrix, pay $9,627 to $14,3812 depending on county and grade; level 4 (254) and level 5 (255) pay a single amount per county for all grades.
What the matrix levels mean for the award
- Levels 1-3 or a diagnosis: the same base amount a student in that grade and district would generate in the FEFP, plus a share of certain categorical funds3. Students who qualify by diagnosis and have no matrix are funded at this level.
- Levels 4 and 5: the total FEFP funding per student for the level 4 or level 5 exceptional student education program in the district, plus categorical shares4.
- Students on the scholarship in 2020-21: receive the greater of the current amount or their 2020-21 amount5.
| Matrix level and grade band | Lowest | Median | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levels 1-3 (251-253) or qualifying diagnosis: ages 3-4 and K-3 | $10,402 | $10,989 | $14,381 |
| Levels 1-3 (251-253) or qualifying diagnosis: grades 4-8 | $9,818 | $10,405 | $13,781 |
| Levels 1-3 (251-253) or qualifying diagnosis: grades 9-12 | $9,627 | $10,206 | $13,585 |
| Level 4 (254): all grades | $21,379 | $22,242 | $25,701 |
| Level 5 (255): all grades | $34,429 | $35,565 | $39,091 |
| County | Level 4 (254) | Level 5 (255) |
|---|---|---|
| Alachua | $21,461 | $34,511 |
| Baker | $22,586 | $36,122 |
| Bay | $21,548 | $34,598 |
| Bradford | $22,679 | $36,215 |
| Brevard | $21,516 | $34,566 |
| Broward | $21,941 | $35,295 |
| Calhoun | $22,925 | $36,461 |
| Charlotte | $21,948 | $34,998 |
| Citrus | $21,440 | $34,490 |
| Clay | $21,471 | $34,521 |
| Collier | $23,882 | $37,493 |
| Columbia | $22,242 | $35,778 |
| DeSoto | $22,556 | $36,092 |
| Dixie | $22,663 | $36,199 |
| Duval | $21,649 | $34,797 |
| Escambia | $21,543 | $34,593 |
| Flagler | $21,393 | $34,443 |
| Franklin | $23,860 | $37,396 |
| Gadsden | $22,504 | $36,040 |
| Gilchrist | $22,899 | $36,435 |
| Glades | $23,191 | $36,727 |
| Gulf | $23,605 | $37,141 |
| Hamilton | $22,890 | $36,426 |
| Hardee | $22,296 | $35,832 |
| Hendry | $21,980 | $35,516 |
| Hernando | $21,425 | $34,475 |
| Highlands | $22,233 | $35,769 |
| Hillsborough | $21,739 | $34,958 |
| Holmes | $22,863 | $36,399 |
| Indian River | $21,868 | $34,918 |
| Jackson | $22,609 | $36,145 |
| Jefferson | $23,878 | $37,414 |
| Lafayette | $22,990 | $36,526 |
| Lake | $21,423 | $34,473 |
| Lee | $21,963 | $35,056 |
| Leon | $21,514 | $34,564 |
| Levy | $22,712 | $36,248 |
| Liberty | $23,064 | $36,600 |
| Madison | $22,549 | $36,085 |
| Manatee | $21,522 | $34,574 |
| Marion | $21,444 | $34,494 |
| Martin | $22,306 | $35,356 |
| Miami-Dade | $22,361 | $35,884 |
| Monroe | $25,701 | $39,091 |
| Nassau | $21,966 | $35,016 |
| Okaloosa | $21,636 | $34,705 |
| Okeechobee | $22,375 | $35,911 |
| Orange | $21,655 | $34,799 |
| Osceola | $21,477 | $34,527 |
| Palm Beach | $22,439 | $35,893 |
| Pasco | $21,471 | $34,521 |
| Pinellas | $21,788 | $34,842 |
| Polk | $21,477 | $34,527 |
| Putnam | $22,478 | $36,014 |
| Santa Rosa | $21,451 | $34,501 |
| Sarasota | $22,357 | $35,565 |
| Seminole | $21,518 | $34,568 |
| St. Johns | $21,556 | $34,606 |
| St. Lucie | $21,590 | $34,640 |
| Sumter | $22,210 | $35,260 |
| Suwannee | $22,263 | $35,799 |
| Taylor | $22,531 | $36,067 |
| Union | $22,749 | $36,285 |
| Volusia | $21,379 | $34,429 |
| Wakulla | $22,275 | $35,811 |
| Walton | $23,472 | $36,522 |
| Washington | $22,890 | $36,426 |
Every county's full FES-UA table, including levels 1-3 by grade band, is on its county page. Download the 2026-27 FES-UA CSV.
Related: FES-UA program guide · all award amounts · amounts FAQ · McKay and Gardiner (now FES-UA)
Sources
- SUFS Register for 2027-28 Scholarship Updates · program lists · as stated by Step Up For Students · verified on
- 2026-27 Scholarship Amounts: FES-UA by District · p.1 · as stated by Step Up For Students · verified on
- s. 1002.394, F.S. (2026) — The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program · s. 1002.394(12)(b)2. · as stated by Florida Statutes · verified on
- s. 1002.394, F.S. (2026) — The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program · s. 1002.394(12)(b)3. · as stated by Florida Statutes · verified on
- s. 1002.394, F.S. (2026) — The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program · s. 1002.394(12)(b)4.-5. · as stated by Florida Statutes · verified on