IEP Service Delivery in Florida
How are IEP services delivered in Florida?
Florida's ESE (Exceptional Student Education) service delivery framework is governed primarily by FAC 6A-6.03028, which requires that each IEP specify the projected date for beginning services and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of special education and related services (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(h)). A distinctive Florida mechanism is the Matrix of Services, which must be completed following development of every IEP and each time the IEP is revised. The matrix generates a support level rating of Level 1 through Level 5, which corresponds to FEFP program cost factors 251 through 255 respectively; higher support levels generate greater per-student funding through the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). Services checked on the matrix must directly reflect services documented in the IEP — the matrix is a funding instrument based on IEP team decisions, not a separate service plan. Florida uses the term ESE rather than 'special education,' and BEESS (Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services) within FDOE oversees service delivery compliance across all 67 school districts. Related service providers must hold valid Florida licensure or certification in their professional field; for example, physical therapists must be licensed under Florida Statutes Chapter 486, occupational therapists under Chapter 468, and speech-language pathologists under Chapter 468 (FAC 6A-6.0331(3)(c)).
What Florida Requires
IEP must specify the projected date for beginning services and anticipated frequency, location, and duration of all special education and related services (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(h))
Matrix of Services must be completed following development of each IEP and after any IEP revision that changes services; matrix must reflect current IEP decisions (FDOE Matrix of Services Handbook)
Matrix support levels (1-5) correspond to FEFP program cost factors 251-255; higher support levels generate greater funding for students with more intensive needs (FDOE Matrix of Services Handbook; F.S. §1011.62)
Services documented on the matrix must be grounded in and consistent with the IEP — the IEP team determines services, not the funding matrix (FDOE Matrix of Services Handbook)
Related services (counseling, psychological services, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc.) must be individually determined by the IEP team and specified in the IEP (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(h); 34 CFR §300.34)
Special education and related services must be based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(h); 34 CFR §300.320(a)(4))
IEP must include a statement of supplementary aids and services, program modifications, and supports for school personnel (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(h))
IEP must explain the extent to which the student will not participate with non-disabled peers in the regular class and nonacademic activities (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(h)(5))
Paraprofessional support, when specified in the IEP as a supplementary aid and service, must be documented with sufficient specificity to implement (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(h))
Related service personnel providing services to ESE students must hold valid Florida licensure or certification in their professional field (FAC 6A-6.0331(3)(c))
District ESE policies and procedures governing service delivery must be submitted to FDOE for review per Department-specified timelines (FAC 6A-6.03411)
Physical therapists must be licensed under F.S. Chapter 486; occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists under F.S. Chapter 468; all related service providers must hold valid Florida licensure (FAC 6A-6.0331(3)(c))
Key Timelines
IEP must specify the projected start date for each service; services must begin by the date documented in the IEP (FAC 6A-6.03028(3)(h))
Matrix of Services must be updated each time the IEP is developed or revised with changes to services (FDOE Matrix of Services Handbook)
District ESE policies and procedures must be submitted to FDOE for review on Department-specified timelines (FAC 6A-6.03411)