HOMESCHOOLING IN FLORIDA & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling your children in Florida, but don’t know where to start regarding Florida laws and requirements. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own homeschool program legally in Florida. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in Florida, current Florida laws and regulations, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing choices, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History of Homeschooling in Florida
Homeschooling in Florida has evolved significantly, shaped by laws and changing educational preferences. In 1985, the Florida State Legislature passed the law (now codified as Fla. Stat. §1002.41) that formalized homeschooling (called “home education programs”) as a parent-led educational option satisfying the state’s compulsory attendance law.
Before that, many families used “umbrella” private schools to homeschool, since there was no explicit statutory homeschool law. After legalization, homeschooling steadily grew. For example, in 2020-2021 there were about 143,431 students in home education programs; by 2021-22 the number was about 152,109.
Earlier data suggest around 40,000 homeschool students in Florida in the early 2000s, though exact numbers vary among sources. While the proportion of homeschool students relative to all K-12 students has increased, the precise percentage is lower than 5% according to official data.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic did serve as a catalyst for a pronounced increase in homeschooling in Florida; during 2020-21 the homeschool population surged by over 35%.
Florida is considered one of the more homeschool-friendly states. Its laws grant parents substantial autonomy: they must give written notice of intent to homeschool (within 30 days), keep a portfolio of student work, and provide an annual evaluation of progress. Parents are not required to hold teaching certificates. The law does not mandate specific curriculum content, set school-day hours or required subjects. While oversight exists (via notification, evaluation, and potential portfolio inspection), Florida does not impose pre-approval or rigid curricula on homeschool families.
Current Florida Laws and Regulations
In Florida, homeschooling operates under Florida Statute §1002.41, which establishes the framework for home education programs. A home education program is defined as “sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his or her parent or guardian.” Registering a home program with the district school superintendent fulfills compulsory attendance under §1003.21(1). Parents are not required to hold a teaching certificate or college degree.
Parents must file a written notice of intent within 30 days of beginning a home program. The district may not require additional information beyond what the statute specifies. Parents must also maintain a portfolio (activity log + work samples) and ensure that the student receives an annual evaluation, chosen from options set out in the statute. The evaluation must be submitted to the superintendent’s office on or before the anniversary date of the notice of intent.
If a home program is ended, parents must provide a notice of termination along with the most recent evaluation within 30 days. Florida law also extends access for homeschool students to certain public school services, including extracurricular activities (§1006.15), dual enrollment (§1007.271), and, in some cases, district assessments, career and technical programs, and ESE services. Importantly, districts may not impose additional requirements or documentation beyond those specified in law, except when a homeschool student voluntarily participates in a district program.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In Florida
Florida law provides three legal ways for parents to educate their children at home. Once you choose the option that best fits your family, follow the steps below to comply with Florida homeschool laws.
Option 1: Home Education Program (Fla. Stat. §1002.41)
Notice of Intent:
• Within 30 days of beginning your program, file a notice of intent with your county’s superintendent.
• The notice must include your child’s full name, date of birth, and address.
• This notice is a one-time filing.
• Districts may not require additional information (such as Social Security numbers or grade levels).
Portfolio:
• Maintain a portfolio of records and materials for each student, which includes:
o A log of educational activities with titles of reading materials.
o Samples of the student’s work (worksheets, writing, projects, etc.).
• Portfolios must be kept for two years.
• The superintendent may review a portfolio with 15 days’ written notice, but reviews are rare.
Annual Evaluation:
Each student must have an annual evaluation to show educational progress. Parents may choose one of these options:
1. A Florida-certified teacher reviews the portfolio and discusses progress with the student.
2. The student takes a nationally normed achievement test administered by a certified teacher.
3. The student takes a state assessment test used by the district, administered at an approved site.
4. The student is evaluated by a licensed Florida psychologist.
5. Any other valid evaluation tool agreed upon with the superintendent.
Ending or Moving:
• If you end your program or move out of the county, submit a notice of termination within 30 days.
• If your child is completing their homeschool program (for example, finishing high school), include the final annual evaluation.
• If you move to another county, you must file a new notice of intent in that county.
Option 2: Enrolling in a Private “Umbrella” School (Fla. Stat. §1002.42)
Parents may choose to enroll their child in a Florida private school that allows off-campus instruction, often called an umbrella school.
• The private school, not the district, keeps attendance and academic records.
• Parents must comply with the policies of the chosen private school.
• Requirements vary from school to school (some may require testing, portfolios, or progress reports).
Option 3: Instruction by a Private Tutor (Fla. Stat. §1002.43)
Parents may hire a Florida-certified teacher to teach their child at home.
• The teacher must hold a valid Florida teaching certificate in any subject area.
• Instruction must cover at least 180 days per school year or the equivalent hours.
• The tutor is responsible for keeping and reporting attendance records to the district superintendent.
Maintaining Your Florida Homeschool
Homeschooling in Florida is flexible, but parents must follow certain steps to comply with state law and keep their program in good standing. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Choose Your Homeschooling Option
Florida law provides three legal options:
• Home Education Program (parent-directed program registered with the district).
• Private “Umbrella” School (enrollment in a Florida private school that oversees your program).
• Private Tutor (instruction by a Florida-certified teacher).
2. File a Notice of Intent (Home Education Program only)
If you choose the home education program:
• File a Notice of Intent with your county superintendent within 30 days of beginning.
• The notice must include your child’s name, address, and date of birth.
• This is a one-time filing, not annual, unless you move or end your program.
3. Maintain a Portfolio (Home Education Program only)
• Keep a log of educational activities and a list of reading materials.
• Save samples of your child’s work (such as worksheets, writing, projects).
• Retain the portfolio for two years.
• It may be reviewed by the superintendent with 15 days’ written notice, though reviews are rare.
4. Provide Instruction
• Florida law requires “sequentially progressive instruction” directed by the parent (or by a tutor if you choose that option).
• Parents may design their own curriculum. The state does not require specific subjects or materials.
5. Annual Evaluation (Home Education Program only)
Each year, your child must be evaluated to show progress. Parents may choose one of these methods:
• Review of the portfolio by a Florida-certified teacher.
• A nationally normed test administered by a certified teacher.
• A state assessment test at an approved location.
• An evaluation by a licensed Florida psychologist.
• Another valid tool agreed upon with the superintendent.
Submit the evaluation results to the superintendent by the anniversary of your Notice of Intent.
6. Notice of Termination
• If you end your home education program or move to another county, file a Notice of Termination within 30 days.
• If your child is completing their homeschool program (graduating), include the final annual evaluation.
• If you move to a new Florida county, you must file a new Notice of Intent there.
7. Stay Informed and Supported
• Join homeschooling associations, co-ops, or support groups.
• Keep up with changes in Florida law.
• Share resources with other homeschooling families.
By following these steps, you’ll stay in compliance with Florida law while giving your child an education that’s flexible, personalized, and effective.
Florida Homeschool Reporting Requirements
Under Florida Statute §1002.41, homeschooling involves only a few legally required interactions with your local school district. Parents have wide flexibility in how they structure their child’s education, but must follow these key requirements:
- Notice of Intent
- File a Notice of Intent (also called a Letter of Intent) with your county school superintendent within 30 days of starting a home education program.
- Include only:
- Child’s full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- The superintendent must accept and register your program. No other information can be required.
- Maintain a Portfolio
- Keep a log of educational activities, listing titles of reading materials.
- Retain samples of student work (worksheets, writings, projects, etc.).
- Hold the portfolio for at least 2 years.
- The district may review the portfolio with 15 days’ written notice, though reviews are not common.
- Annual Evaluation
Submit an evaluation each year showing your child’s educational progress. Parents may choose one of the following:
- A review by a Florida-certified teacher based on portfolio and discussion.
- A nationally normed achievement test administered by a certified teacher.
- A state assessment test given by a certified teacher at an approved location.
- An evaluation by a licensed psychologist.
- Another valid tool agreed upon by the parent and superintendent.
The evaluation must be sent to the district superintendent annually.
- Notice of Termination
If you:
- Move out of the county,
- Re-enroll in public/private school, or
- Graduate your student,
you must file a Notice of Termination within 30 days. For high school graduation, include the final evaluation.
What is Not Required by Law
- No set number of instructional days or hours (such as 180 days).
- No attendance records.
- No required list of subjects, textbooks, or curriculum.
- No grade level assignment by the district.
Recommended (But Not Legally Required) Records
While not mandated, it’s wise to keep:
- Transcripts for middle and high school.
- Test scores and evaluations.
- Correspondence with the district.
- Additional samples of work, especially for college or scholarships.
By following these steps, Florida homeschool parents meet all legal requirements while maintaining the flexibility to design a personalized education for their child.
Homeschool Testing In Florida
Florida homeschoolers are not required to participate in Florida state standardized tests. However, as noted above, parents are required to furnish the district superintendent with an annual educational evaluation reflecting their child’s progress.
Funding Your Florida Homeschool
In Florida, homeschooling families predominantly finance their child’s education independently, assuming the financial responsibility for curriculum materials, resources, and any educational expenses. Unlike traditional public schools that receive funding from state and local taxes, homeschooling operates as a parent-directed private school option with minimal direct financial support from the state.
However, while homeschooling families primarily bear the financial burden, there are some avenues through which homeschool students can access certain educational benefits and funding opportunities. One notable avenue is the eligibility of home education students to enter institutions of higher learning and participate in state scholarship programs. For instance, homeschool students in Florida are eligible to apply for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, a merit-based scholarship program that provides financial assistance for post-secondary education.
Furthermore, homeschool students may also have access to scholarship programs specifically tailored to their needs. The Family Empowerment Scholarship – Unique Abilities (FES-UA) and the Personalized Education Program (PEP) are examples of scholarship initiatives offered through scholarship organizations, providing financial support and resources to private school students with unique learning needs, including homeschool students.
These scholarship opportunities serve to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with homeschooling and provide homeschool students with access to higher education and additional educational resources. While families primarily finance the education of their homeschooled children independently, these scholarship programs offer valuable support and opportunities for homeschool students in Florida.
Federal Tax Breaks
Homeschooling families may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education costs. Homeschool parents might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for homeschooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for homeschool instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, homeschooling families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
Florida Immunization Requirements
Under the homeschool law, children participating in home education programs are not subject to the same vaccination requirements as those enrolled in traditional schools.
However, the vaccination policies vary depending on the homeschooling option chosen by the family under Florida homeschool in vaccine laws. For instance, students enrolled in an umbrella or private school designated for homeschooling are typically required to meet the school’s vaccination requirements, and the school is responsible for maintaining vaccination records for its students. This policy aligns with standard vaccination protocols expected in traditional school settings.
Conversely, students homeschooled under the private tutor option are not mandated to adhere to vaccination requirements. Since private tutors provide instruction directly to the student without formal enrollment in an umbrella or private school, they operate under different regulations, exempting them from vaccination obligations.
These distinctions in vaccination policies underscore the varying regulatory frameworks governing homeschooling in Florida. While students in umbrella or private schools designated for homeschooling must meet vaccination requirements, those homeschooled students under the private tutoring program are exempt from such mandates, reflecting the flexibility and diversity inherent in the homeschooling laws in Florida.
Florida State Graduation Requirements
In the state of Florida, upon completing a home education program, students do not receive a diploma issued by the public school system. Instead, the legal document confirming that a child graduates a home education program is a signed affidavit of completion, typically provided by the student’s parent or guardian. This affidavit, in accordance with the requirements outlined in s.1002.41, F.S., serves as the official proof of completion.
According to the Florida statute., this affidavit holds significant weight and is considered equivalent to a high school diploma. State colleges and universities in Florida routinely accept this affidavit as evidence of high school completion, and it can be included on a student’s academic transcript or as part of a parent-issued diploma.
While not mandatory, some students opt to conclude their home education program by taking the General Educational Development (GED) test. Upon successfully passing the GED, students are issued a diploma by the Department of Education.
Overall, in Florida’s homeschooling system, the affidavit of completion serves as the primary document certifying the fulfillment of a home education program, with the option of pursuing additional credentials through the GED test for those who choose to do so.
Florida Homeschool Charters
Florida does not currently have any homeschool charter schools. Charter schools in Florida are public schools that operate under a performance contract with a school district or other authorized sponsor. Students enrolled in charter schools are considered public school students and are subject to the same state laws and regulations as traditional public schools.
However, Florida does offer several virtual education options that can provide flexibility and support for homeschool families:
Florida Virtual School (FLVS): FLVS is a state-funded online school that offers free part-time and full-time enrollment to all Florida students in grades K-12. Homeschoolers can take individual courses through FLVS to supplement their home education program, or they can enroll as full-time FLVS students, which would make them public school students.
District Virtual Instruction Programs (VIPs): Each school district in Florida is required to offer a virtual instruction program for students in grades K-12. These programs provide full-time online learning options for students within the district. Like FLVS, homeschoolers can use district VIPs for individual courses or full-time enrollment.
Virtual Charter Schools: Florida allows for the creation of virtual charter schools, which are publicly funded schools that provide online instruction. These schools are open to all students in the state, regardless of district boundaries. However, full-time enrollment in a virtual charter school would make a student a public school student, not a homeschooler.
While these virtual education options can provide resources and opportunities for homeschool students, it’s important to understand the distinction between enrollment in a public virtual school program and homeschooling under Florida’s home education law. Students who are enrolled full-time in FLVS, a district VIP, or a virtual charter school are considered public school students and must comply with all public school requirements, including state testing mandates.
Local Florida Homeschooling Resources
While Florida does not provide public funding specifically for homeschoolers, there are many local and state-level resources available to support and enrich home education:
Homeschool Support Groups and Co-ops: Most areas of Florida have active homeschool communities that offer classes, activities, field trips, and social events. These groups can be an invaluable source of information, resources, and connection for homeschool families.
Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA): FPEA is the state’s largest homeschool support and advocacy organization. They provide information, resources, events, and legislative advocacy for homeschoolers across Florida.
Libraries, Museums, and Community Centers: Many public institutions offer educational programs and resources specifically for homeschoolers, such as classes, workshops, and curriculum materials. Check with your local library, museum, zoo, aquarium, or community center to see what opportunities are available.
Dual Enrollment: Florida law requires all public colleges and universities to provide dual enrollment opportunities for homeschool students. This allows high school students to take college courses and earn both high school and college credit at no cost. Homeschoolers can participate in dual enrollment through their local public school district or directly with the college or university.
Extracurricular Activities: Homeschool students in Florida have the right to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities at their local public school, including sports, music, clubs, and other programs. This allows homeschoolers to take advantage of the same enrichment opportunities as public school students.
Florida Virtual School: The Florida Virtual School offers a wide range of online courses that can supplement a homeschool curriculum. While full-time enrollment in the Florida Virtual School would make a student a public school student, homeschoolers can take individual courses through the Florida Virtual School Flex for free.
Online Learning Resources: There is a wealth of free and low-cost educational resources available online for homeschoolers, including curriculum materials, instructional videos, interactive learning games, and virtual field trips.
By tapping into these local resources and support systems, homeschool families in Florida can create a rich and engaging educational experience for their children. While homeschooling can seem daunting at first, there is a strong and vibrant homeschool community in the state ready to offer advice, encouragement, and practical support.
In conclusion, Florida is a homeschool-friendly state with a long history of supporting parents’ rights to direct the education of their children. The state’s laws provide a clear legal framework for home education while granting families a great deal of flexibility and autonomy. By understanding the legal requirements, available resources, and homeschool community in Florida, parents can confidently navigate the homeschool journey and create a successful educational experience for their children. When homeschooling. Florida laws will not prevent you from having a successful journey!
