Two autistic children in the same Florida county and the same grade can receive very different FES-UA scholarship amounts. In Palm Beach County for 2026-27, the gap can be $11,054 versus $22,439 or $35,893. The difference is the matrix of services: a school district rating of how intensive a student's ESE services are. This article explains what the matrix is, what Levels 251 to 255 mean, why a child with only a diagnosis starts at the base amount, and how to ask the district for a matrix under the scholarship law.
What is a matrix of services?
The matrix comes from Florida's school funding law, s. 1011.62. It says: "The Commissioner of Education shall specify a matrix of services and intensity levels to be used by districts in the determination of the two weighted cost factors for exceptional students with the highest levels of need." The statute continues:
Exceptional education cost factors are determined by using a matrix of services to document the services that each support level IV and support level V exceptional student will receive. The nature and intensity of the services indicated on the matrix shall be consistent with the services described in each exceptional student's individual educational plan.
In other words, the matrix is a funding tool that mirrors the IEP. The more intensive the services your child's IEP describes, the higher the support level can be. The same law requires a matrix "at the time of the student's initial placement into an exceptional student education program and at least once every 3 years by personnel who have received approved training," and adds: "Nothing listed in the matrix shall be construed as limiting the services a school district must provide in order to ensure that exceptional students are provided a free, appropriate public education."
What do Levels 251 to 255 mean for FES-UA?
| Matrix level | Code on the award chart | How FES-UA calculates the award | 2026-27 range statewide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levels 1 to 3, or a diagnosis with no matrix | 251-253 | Based on grade level and district, using the basic ESE funding level plus certain categorical funds | $9,627 to $14,381, depending on grade band and county |
| Level 4 | 254 | Based on the district's Level IV ESE program funding plus certain categorical funds | $21,379 to $25,701 |
| Level 5 | 255 | Based on the district's Level V ESE program funding plus certain categorical funds | $34,429 to $39,091 |
The statute says: "For a student who has a Level I to Level III matrix of services or a diagnosis by a physician or psychologist, the calculated scholarship amount ... must be based upon the grade level and school district in which the student would have been enrolled." For a Level IV or V matrix, the amount is based on "the total funds per full-time equivalent for the Level IV or Level V exceptional student education program." County figures are in 2026-27 FES-UA amounts by county.
Why does a diagnosis-only student start at the base level?
FES-UA lets a child qualify with either an IEP or a diagnosis of a listed disability, including autism spectrum disorder, from a Florida-licensed physician or psychologist (s. 1002.394(3)(b)4.). That flexibility is useful, but a diagnosis is not a matrix. Without a district-completed matrix at Level 4 or 5, the statute funds the student at the Level I to III amount. Step Up's chart says the same: students with a qualifying diagnosis "will be considered for funding at the Matrix Level 251-253."
How do I request a matrix?
Section 1002.394(7)(b)1. gives scholarship families a specific right:
The parent of a student with a disability who does not have an IEP in accordance with subparagraph (3)(b)4. or who seeks a reevaluation of an existing IEP may request an IEP meeting and evaluation from the school district in order to obtain or revise a matrix of services. The school district shall notify a parent who has made a request for an IEP that the district is required to complete the IEP and matrix of services within 30 days after receiving notice of the parent's request. The school district shall conduct a meeting and develop an IEP and a matrix of services within 30 days after receipt of the parent's request in accordance with State Board of Education rules. The district must accept the diagnosis and consider the service plan of the licensed professional providing the diagnosis pursuant to subparagraph (3)(b)4.
The rest of the paragraph adds:
- The district "must complete a matrix that assigns the student to one of the levels of service as they existed before the 2000-2001 school year."
- "For a nonpublic school student without an IEP, the school district is authorized to use evaluation reports and plans of care developed by the licensed professionals" to complete the matrix.
- The district must give the parent and the Department of Education the matrix level "within 10 calendar days after its completion," and the Department must notify the parent and Step Up of the award amount within 10 days after that.
- "A school district may change a matrix of services only if the change is a result of an IEP reevaluation or to correct a technical, typographical, or calculation error."
The district also keeps this duty while your child is on the scholarship: even though it no longer owes FAPE, "when requested by the parent, school district personnel must develop an IEP or matrix level of services" (s. 1002.394(10)(b)).
Step by step: making the request
- Write to the district ESE office. Say that your child is applying for or receiving FES-UA and that you are requesting an IEP meeting and evaluation to obtain (or revise) a matrix of services under s. 1002.394(7)(b), Florida Statutes. Date it and keep a copy.
- Attach the diagnosis and service plan. The district must accept the diagnosis and consider the licensed professional's service plan. Include current reports and treatment plans, such as speech, OT or ABA plans, that show the services your child receives.
- Count 30 days from the date the district receives your request, and 10 calendar days after completion for the matrix level.
- Prepare for the meeting. Describe the support your child needs across the day: communication, behavior, supervision for safety, personal care and learning. Bring data if you have it.
- Get the result in writing and check that Step Up has the updated level.
A sample request might read: "Under section 1002.394(7)(b), Florida Statutes, I request an IEP meeting and evaluation to obtain a matrix of services for my child, [name], date of birth [date], who has an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis from [professional]. The diagnosis and current service plans are attached. Please confirm receipt and the meeting date within the 30-day timeline."
Will requesting a matrix raise my child's award?
Not necessarily. The level reflects the intensity of services the IEP describes, and the district's trained staff complete it. If the district rates your child at Level 1, 2 or 3, the award stays at the base amount; only Level 4 or 5 changes it. Because a matrix can only be changed after an IEP reevaluation or to fix an error, it is worth preparing well for the meeting.
If you disagree with the IEP or matrix, ask for the reasons in writing and consider your options, such as a reevaluation request or Florida's dispute processes; see IEP dispute options. For legal advice about your case, talk with a Florida special education attorney or advocate.
How Hope Center can help
A current, detailed treatment plan from a BCBA can be part of the service information you share with the district, and our staff can join IEP meetings where the district allows. Hope Center's FES-UA payment arrangements should be confirmed directly with us before you plan around them. To talk about your child's needs or a free insurance benefits check, contact us or call 561-337-8865. For the scholarship basics, see FES-UA explained for autism families.