Looking for an IEP advocate in Florida? This guide profiles 6 verified special education advocates on Find Parent Advocates, with real bios, specialties, service areas, and pricing where published.
Parents often search "IEP advocate near me in Florida" and "how much does an IEP advocate cost" before they hire. The pricing table below uses what each advocate publishes on their profile. Full profiles follow.
How much does an IEP advocate cost in Florida?
Among advocates who publish hourly rates on Find Parent Advocates, listed rates in Florida range from $75 to $100 per hour (3 of 6 in this guide). 2 also offer flexible hourly pricing without a published rate.
| Advocate | City | Pricing | Service area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashley Swestyn | St. Augustine | $85/hr | In-person (within ~100 miles) and virtual |
| Julian Moreira | Tampa | $100/hr | In-person (within ~100 miles) and virtual |
| Angela Picardi | Wesley Chapel | Flexible | In-person (within ~25 miles) and virtual |
| Ivette Leonard | Weston | Flexible | In-person (within ~45 miles) and virtual |
| Lisa Smith | Riverview | $75/hr | In-person (within ~25 miles) and virtual |
| Soidemer Nunez | Miami | Packages | In-person (within ~50 miles) and virtual |
Note on pricing Rates shown are what each advocate lists on their profile. Flexible and package advocates may quote a flat fee after a free consultation. Always confirm scope and total cost before work begins.
How to choose an IEP advocate in Florida
Match the advocate to your issue, not just your zip code. Common focus areas in this Florida directory include Facilitation, Autism, IDEA, Ferpa, Section 504.
- Define the task. Do you need a one-time IEP meeting, ongoing support, or help filing a Florida state complaint?
- Check service area. Advocates in St. Augustine, Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Weston, Riverview, Miami may serve multiple metros in person, virtually, or both.
- Compare pricing models. Hourly, flexible, and package pricing all appear in this guide. Ask what is included and whether a retainer is required.
- Read the full profile. Bios, credentials, languages, and parent feedback are on each advocate's page.
Browse Florida advocates: search the Florida directory · Florida state landing page · IEP meeting advocates in FL.
Best IEP advocates in Florida
Advocates with published rates and complete profiles appear first. Each section uses data from the advocate's Find Parent Advocates profile.
Ashley Swestyn

Background: Master's in Special Education with focus in the laws and processes of special education and autism spectrum disorders.
I work to level the playing field for families and make sure parents have equal input successfully. I have 13 years in the classroom as a special education teacher. I offer payment plans. I have formal training with a Masters of Science degree in special education focusing on the laws and processes and autism. I also have a bachelors in elementary and special education. I am a certified teacher in many states. I take clients all over the USA and have worked with families in numerous states.
| Location | St. Augustine, FL |
|---|---|
| Service area | In-person (within ~100 miles) and virtual |
| Pricing | $85/hr |
| Age groups | Early childhood (ages 3–5), Elementary, Middle school, High school, transition |
| Languages | English |
Julian Moreira

Background:
I have over 7 years in special education. I help families resolve disagreements with public schools through state complaints, mediation, and proactive meeting participation. Let’s connect if you want to maximize your child’s potential!
| Location | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|
| Service area | In-person (within ~100 miles) and virtual |
| Pricing | $100/hr |
| Age groups | Early childhood (ages 3–5), Elementary, Middle school, High school, transition |
Angela Picardi

Background: ESE K-12,Elementary Education k-6, Middle school integrated curriculum 6-9, High School Science 9-12, ESOL endorsed, Reading endorsed
With 24 years of experience in the K-12 sector, I serves as a Student Support Specialist specializing in academic and behavioral ESE services. My career is defined by a deep commitment to the "whole student," ensuring that those with exceptional needs receive the personalized advocacy and support required to navigate the K-12 journey with confidence.
I believe that education is a collaborative effort. I have dedicated my career to community support development, working to build stronger ties between local organizations and the families they serve. Whether implementing behavioral intervention plans or coordinating academic accommodations, I remain driven by the goal of creating inclusive communities where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed
| Location | Wesley Chapel, FL |
|---|---|
| Service area | In-person (within ~25 miles) and virtual |
| Pricing | Flexible hourly pricing |
| Age groups | Middle school |
| Languages | English |
Ivette Leonard

Background: Social Worker MA School Admin
🌞 Ivette, M.Ed.
Founder | IEP Advocate | Social Worker
Im an IEP and 504 Advocate, Master’s-level educator, and experienced Social Worker with over a decade of experience serving diverse students and families in South Florida. As the founder of Sunny Steps Advocacy, I combine my expertise in special education, ESOL, and social work to help parents confidently navigate the IEP and 504 process.
A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, I specialize in supporting bilingual families, English learners, and students with disabilities to ensure every child receives the services and support they deserve.
With deep knowledge of school systems and a heart for empowering parents, I will offer:
IEP and 504 meeting support (virtual & in-person)
Document review and parent coaching
Guidance for navigating school barriers and special education rights
Whether you're just starting your journey or facing years of school challenges, I will do my best to assist you through your journey.
| Location | Weston, FL |
|---|---|
| Service area | In-person (within ~45 miles) and virtual |
| Pricing | Flexible hourly pricing |
| Age groups | Early childhood (ages 3–5), Elementary, Middle school, High school |
| Languages | English, Spanish |
Lisa Smith

Background: Infant Mental Health Endorsement
I’m a mother who refused to stay silent.
When my son was pushed out of preschool, I didn’t just ask why—I began asking what needed to change. That moment lit a fire I couldn’t put out.
My advocacy is deeply rooted in lived experience—fighting for my child’s right to be seen, supported, and included. From challenging exclusion in early childhood to navigating ADHD diagnoses and 504 plans, I’ve walked the path so many families are forced to travel alone.
I use my voice to speak up for children who are too often labeled, misunderstood, or pushed aside before they’ve even had a chance to begin. I believe in the power of parent voice, the importance of being in the room where decisions are made, and the urgency of protecting all children—particularly those from BIPOC communities.
My work is grounded in one question: What would justice look like if we started with our youngest children?
This is more than advocacy. This is a fight for belonging—and I’m not backing down.
| Location | Riverview, FL |
|---|---|
| Service area | In-person (within ~25 miles) and virtual |
| Pricing | $75/hr |
| Age groups | Early childhood (ages 3–5), Elementary, Middle school |
| Languages | English |
Soidemer Nunez

Background: Special Education Educator
Educational Consultant with more than 14 years of experience in the Exceptional Students Education field. I support parents in this journey by providing coaching, representation, and strategic planning focused on improving outcomes for students with exceptional needs.
| Location | Miami, FL |
|---|---|
| Service area | In-person (within ~50 miles) and virtual |
| Pricing | Package pricing (contact for quote) |
| Age groups | Early childhood (ages 3–5), Elementary |
| Languages | English, Spanish |
Common questions about IEP advocates in Florida
How much does an IEP advocate cost in Florida?
In this Florida directory, published hourly rates range from $75 to $100 per hour. Many advocates also use flexible or package pricing. A focused IEP review or one meeting often takes 2–3 hours. Ask for a written estimate before you hire.
How do I find an IEP advocate in Florida?
Start with verified profiles on Find Parent Advocates, your state Parent Training and Information (PTI) center, and local special education parent groups. Compare specialties, service area (in-person vs virtual), and pricing before you book a consultation.
Where can I find an IEP advocate near St. Augustine, FL?
Advocates in this guide serve St. Augustine and other Florida metros in person, virtually, or both. Use the Florida search at https://findparentadvocates.com/find-advocates?q=Florida to filter by city and specialty.
What should I ask before hiring a Florida special education advocate?
Ask about their experience with your child's disability area, whether they attend IEP meetings, how they bill, and what documents they need from you. Request a scope estimate in writing for the first phase of work.
Can I hire an advocate for just one IEP meeting in Florida?
Yes. Many parents hire an advocate for a single meeting or a short file review. Several advocates in this guide list meeting attendance and consultation as core services.
Are these the only IEP advocates in Florida?
This guide features advocates with active profiles on Find Parent Advocates. Florida has additional advocates through PTI centers, school district family resource units, and local parent groups. Browse the full directory at Find Parent Advocates.