This work proposes the design of a frequency-selective surface (FSS)-based planar monopole antenna for ultra-wideband (UWB) communication applications. The UWB response is observed by integrating a Vivaldi-shaped slot and by introducing a stepped-like pattern on the bottom edges of the radiating patch, while the back side is composed of a partial ground plane. This configuration results in a broad impedance bandwidth spanning from 3.11 to 20 GHz. For radiation performance enhancement of the proposed antenna, a single-layer UWB FSS reflector is placed beneath the antenna element at an optimized distance. The proposed FSS reflector employs a 3 × 3 array of fractal structure with a unit cell size of 12.25 × 12.25 mm2. The designed FSS reflector exhibits a linear phase response over a frequency range of 3.28 to 14 GHz, with a stop-band transmission coefficient less than -10 dB. The incorporation of the FSS reflector results in an increased gain, elevating it from 1 to 4 dBi at low-band frequencies, while at mid-band frequencies, the gain is increased from 1 to 6 dBi. The structural configuration of the proposed antenna yields directional far-field patterns, making it well-suited for UWB radar applications.