How Does ESE (Special Education) Work in Florida?
Short answer: Florida calls special education Exceptional Student Education (ESE). This department manages both students with disabilities and gifted students. Key features include a 60-day evaluation timeline, the Matrix of Services for funding, and school choice options like the FES-UA Scholarship.
Florida ESE Quick Facts
| Department Name | ESE (Exceptional Student Education) |
| Evaluation Timeline | 60 calendar days (pauses for holidays) |
| Consent Deadline | 30 days to request consent |
| Scholarship | FES-UA (formerly McKay/Gardiner) |
| Gifted Eligibility | Plan A (IQ 130) or Plan B (Matrix) |
How do I request an ESE evaluation in Florida?
Short answer: Submit a written request to the school principal. The school has 30 calendar days to either obtain your signed consent to evaluate or provide a written refusal. Once you sign consent, they have 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation.
⚠️ The "Holiday Pause" Rule
The 60-day clock pauses for any school break of 5 days or more (like Winter Break, Spring Break, or summer). Do not count these days when calculating your deadline.
What is the FES-UA (formerly Gardiner/McKay)?
Short answer: The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) has replaced the Gardiner and McKay scholarships. It provides parents with an Education Savings Account (ESA) to pay for private school tuition, therapy, tutoring, or homeschooling materials.
Strategy: Even if you plan to stay in public school, applying for FES-UA eligibility gives you leverage. It signals to the district that you have the financial means to leave if they do not provide FAPE.
What is the Matrix of Services?
Short answer: The Matrix is a Florida-specific document that rates the intensity of services a student needs on a scale (Levels 251–255). A higher score generates significantly more state funding for the school.
What is "Plan B" for Gifted Students?
Short answer: "Plan B" (Rule 6A-6.03019) is an alternative eligibility pathway for gifted students who are from underrepresented groups or have disabilities (2e). Instead of a strict IQ cutoff of 130, it uses a matrix of criteria including creativity checklists, grades, and teacher nominations.
Florida-Specific Terms Parents Should Know
- ESE (Exceptional Student Education)
- Means: The department handling both Special Education and Gifted Education.
- FES-UA
- Means: The primary state scholarship for students with disabilities to attend private schools.
- EP (Education Plan)
- Means: The document for students who are only Gifted. If a student is 2e (Gifted + Disabled), they get an IEP, not an EP.
Common Florida Questions
Can I choose my child's school with an IEP?
Yes. Florida has strong school choice laws. You can use the FES-UA scholarship to pay for private school, or use Controlled Open Enrollment to request a transfer to a different public school that has space and better ESE services.
What if the school denies my request for evaluation?
If the school issues a "Notice of Refusal," you can file for a Due Process Hearing or a State Complaint with the Florida Department of Education. You can also obtain a private evaluation and demand they consider it.
What should Florida parents do next?
- Submit your request in writing. Do not just ask verbally. The 30-day response clock only starts with a written letter.
- Check your FES-UA eligibility. Visit the Step Up For Students website to see if you qualify for the scholarship funds.
- Ask for the Matrix. Email the ESE specialist: "Please provide a copy of my child's current Matrix of Services document."