Short answer
Step Up For Students approved expenses, 2026-27
It depends on the scholarship. Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is the broadest: curriculum, instructional materials including a computer every two years, therapies, tuition, tutoring, testing and Florida 529 contributions. Private School scholarship students pay tuition and fees first, then can use what remains on materials, curriculum, testing and part-time tutoring. PEP covers curriculum, materials, tuition for home education programs, testing and tutoring. Private School and PEP do not allow computers or tablets.
Allowed Step Up For Students expense categories
| Category | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | Private school, home education programs, dual enrollment, approved online providers and part-time tutoring. |
| Curriculum and instructional materials | All three scholarships. Digital devices, peripherals and assistive technology only for Unique Abilities (one device every two years). |
| Specialized services | Unique Abilities: licensed ABA, speech, occupational and physical therapy, plus horse, music and art therapy. |
| Testing and assessments | Standardized tests and evaluations, including home-education evaluation fees. |
| Tutoring and choice navigators | Part-time tutoring for Private School and PEP; broader tutoring for Unique Abilities. |
| Savings and transition (Unique Abilities) | Florida 529 / Prepaid contributions, transition services, job coaches, specialized summer and after-school programs. |
Caps and limits
- Theme parks: one reimbursement per student per year, up to $299 before tax.
- Single-admission leisure events are generally under $75.
- TVs (55 inches or smaller), projectors and P.E. or elective equipment: generally once every two years.
- Items used by several family members are prorated.
- Items not listed in the purchasing guide need pre-authorization (Private School and PEP deadline May 28, 2027).
Not allowed
- Food and beverages, lodging and transportation
- Concert and sporting event tickets
- Live animals
- Guns, blades and toy weapons
- Bounce houses, pools and trampolines (except individual exercise)
- Medical services and devices other than listed therapies
- Cash payments to private sellers
- Before/after-care and lunch fees within tuition
- Computers and tablets on Private School and PEP scholarships
Source: Step Up For Students: purchasing guides (2026-27) (as of October 21, 2026)
Not sure about a specific purchase?
Run it through the free ESA expense checker. It points you to the Florida rule it relies on so you can confirm before you spend.
Check an expenseHow to pay for an approved expense
School tuition (direct pay)
The school and the parent each have 30 days to approve the invoice in EMA. Payment starts within 7 business days of both approvals and can take up to 5 more business days to arrive.
EMA Marketplace providers
Use Marketplace → Find Providers for approved tutors, therapists and part-time schools that bill the scholarship account directly.
MyScholarShop
Pre-approved products with no out-of-pocket cost. Orders can take up to two weeks to process.
Reimbursement
Submit in EMA with an itemized receipt showing the full date and amount paid. Review takes up to 60 days after complete documentation and restarts if the request is put on hold. 2026-27 requests are due by July 31, 2027.
Source: Step Up For Students: 2026-27 FES-UA family handbook (as of October 21, 2026)
Step Up For Students expenses FAQ
How long does a Step Up reimbursement take?
Up to 60 days after complete documentation. If the request is put on hold, the 60 days restart. Approved payments go out within 7 days. 2026-27 requests are due by July 31, 2027.
Can I buy a laptop with a Step Up scholarship?
With the Unique Abilities scholarship, yes, once every two years. The Private School and PEP purchasing guides list computers and tablets as not allowed.
Can Step Up pay a tutor directly?
Yes, if the tutor is an approved provider in the EMA Marketplace. Otherwise you pay and request reimbursement, which can take up to 60 days.
Are theme parks covered?
One theme-park reimbursement per student per year, up to $299 before tax.
This summarizes official guidance and is not a ruling on any specific purchase; the program decides each request. Questions about your own account: Step Up For Students contact page. GetESAPaid is not affiliated with the program. Maintained by the GetESAPaid Research Desk.