Want to learn how to homeschool in Florida? The Sunshine State has simple rules and strong legal protections. Over 100,000 Florida students learn at home each year. Check the HSLDA Florida homeschool guide for legal details.
This guide explains how to homeschool in Florida. Essentially, you have two main paths. You can register with your school district. Alternatively, you can join an umbrella school. Both options work well for different families.
Florida Homeschool Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal (home education program) |
| Notification | Required within 30 days of starting |
| Required Subjects | Not specified by law |
| Evaluation | Annual evaluation required |
| Record Keeping | Portfolio required (2 year retention) |
| Compulsory Age | 6-16 years old |
| Teacher Requirements | None |
Bottom line: The Sunshine State requires a notice and yearly evaluations. However, you have complete freedom in what and how you teach.
Two Paths for Home Education
State law provides two options for home education:
Option 1: Home Education Program
Most families choose this route. Basically, you notify your school district. Then you keep a portfolio. Additionally, you do an annual evaluation. As a result, you have full control over curriculum and schedule. This is the most popular choice.
Option 2: Umbrella School
Alternatively, you can enroll in a private school that offers home education. The umbrella school handles paperwork. Furthermore, they may provide curriculum guidance. Of course, you still teach at home. This option offers more support but less freedom.
This guide focuses on Option 1. It is the most popular choice for Sunshine State families.
How to Homeschool in Florida: Step by Step
Step 1: Send Your Notice of Intent
Within 30 days of starting your homeschool, notify your district. Send a letter to the superintendent. Include these items:
- Your name and address
- Names and birthdates of all children you’ll homeschool
- Your signature
That’s it. Simply keep it simple. In fact, many districts have sample letters on their websites. The state Department of Education home education page has more guidance.
Important note: File within 30 days of starting, not before. Moreover, you only file once. It’s not an annual thing. Essentially, it’s just a one-time notice.
Step 2: Choose Your Curriculum
The Sunshine State doesn’t tell you what to teach. You have complete freedom to decide. Here are popular options:
- Boxed curriculum: Abeka, BJU Press, Sonlight (all-in-one packages)
- Online programs: Time4Learning, state virtual school
- Mix and match: Different publishers for different subjects
- Free resources: Khan Academy, Easy Peasy, library books
- Unit studies: Theme-based learning covering multiple subjects
- Charlotte Mason: Literature-rich, nature-focused approach
Notably, many families adjust their schedule around the weather. For example, school in the morning. Beach in the afternoon. That’s allowed! Indeed, flexibility is one of the best parts of Sunshine State homeschooling.
Step 3: Set Up Your Portfolio
You must keep a portfolio. Include these items:
- Log of activities: A simple record of what you did and when
- Reading list: Titles of books your child reads
- Work samples: Save worksheets, projects, and writings
- Other materials: Photos of projects, field trip records
Keep your portfolio for two years after you create it. Similarly, if you end your homeschool, keep records for two more years. This protects you if questions arise.
Step 4: Plan Your Annual Evaluation
Each year, you must have your child’s progress evaluated. You have several options:
- Certified teacher evaluation: A state-certified teacher reviews your portfolio
- Standardized test: Any national test (no minimum score required)
- State assessment: Your child can take the state tests
- Psychologist evaluation: A licensed psychologist evaluates progress
Specifically, the evaluation is due on the anniversary of your notice. For instance, if you filed on September 15, evaluations are due each September 15.
Step 5: Keep the Evaluation on File
File your evaluation with the school district? Nope. Just keep it yourself. Of course, the district can request it. However, you don’t have to send it unless asked. In fact, most families are never asked.
What’s NOT Required
The Sunshine State gives homeschoolers big freedom:
- Subject freedom: Teach what you think matters
- Flexible hours: No daily or yearly hour rules
- Schedule freedom: No 180-day rule for homeschoolers
- Parent qualifications: You don’t need a degree
- Curriculum choice: Nobody checks what you teach
- Testing flexibility: If you test, no passing score needed
- Immediate start: Start whenever you’re ready
Compulsory Education Ages
Education is required for children ages 6-16. Your child must be in school if they turn 6 on or before February 1 of the school year.
After age 16, school is optional. Nevertheless, most families continue through high school. Consequently, this prepares students for college or careers.
Withdrawing from Public School
If your child is in a public school now:
- Send your notice of intent to the district
- Tell the school your child is leaving
- Request records and transcripts for your files
Generally, the district should release your child once they get your notice. If you face pushback, contact FPEA or HSLDA for help.
Annual Evaluation Options Explained
Certified Teacher Evaluation
First, find a state-certified teacher to review your portfolio. Then, they write a statement saying your child made progress. Importantly, this doesn’t need to be a formal meeting. Many evaluators work by phone or email.
Cost: Usually $25-75
Standardized Testing
Use any nationally normed test like:
- Stanford Achievement Test
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills
- CAT (California Achievement Test)
- Woodcock-Johnson
- TerraNova
Fortunately, you can buy tests online and give them at home. No proctor required. No minimum score required. Simply keep the results. This is the most popular option.
Cost: $25-50 for most tests
State Assessment
Your child can take the state tests at a public school. Contact your district to arrange this. It’s free but requires going to the school.
Psychologist Evaluation
Alternatively, a licensed psychologist can evaluate your child’s academic progress. However, this is the most expensive option. It’s rarely used unless there are special reasons.
High School Homeschooling
Fortunately, high school homeschooling in the Sunshine State is straightforward. Basically, you have the same freedoms as in earlier grades.
Credits and Courses
You decide your graduation requirements. Many families follow public school guidelines:
- 4 credits English
- 4 credits Math (including Algebra I and Geometry)
- 3 credits Science (2 with labs)
- 3 credits Social Studies
- 1 credit Fine/Performing Arts
- 1 credit Physical Education
- 8 credits Electives
That’s 24 credits total for a standard diploma. However, you set your own standards. Some families do more. Conversely, some do less. Ultimately, it depends on your student’s goals.
Transcripts
Create your own transcripts. Include:
- Course names and descriptions
- Grades earned
- Credits (usually 0.5 per semester or 1.0 per year)
- GPA calculation
- Your signature as school administrator
Notably, many free transcript templates are available online. Additionally, some umbrella schools offer transcript services for a fee.
Graduation and Diploma
Importantly, you decide when your student graduates. Simply issue your own diploma. It’s legally valid. In fact, state colleges accept homeschool diplomas. Many families hold ceremonies with other homeschool families.
Bright Futures Scholarship
Good news: Homeschoolers can get Bright Futures. This is the state’s merit scholarship. Requirements include:
- Required ACT/SAT scores (check current requirements)
- Community service hours (100 hours for Academic Scholars)
- Graduation from a home education program
- State residency requirements
Check the Bright Futures website for current score requirements. As a result, this scholarship can cut college costs significantly.
State Virtual School (FLVS)
The state offers free online courses through FLVS. Homeschoolers can use this in two ways:
- Flex courses: Free, self-paced courses you add to your homeschool
- Full-time enrollment: Complete your education through FLVS (no longer counts as homeschool)
In particular, many homeschoolers take a few FLVS courses. These work great for foreign languages, advanced math, or AP classes. Clearly, it’s a great free resource.
Special Situations
Special Needs
Yes, you can homeschool special needs children. Essentially, the rules apply the same way. Therefore, you have freedom to customize education to your child’s needs.
If your child had an IEP in public school, you won’t have one in homeschool. However, you can create your own learning plan. Consequently, many families find this flexibility helps their special needs child thrive.
Dual Enrollment
Homeschoolers can take college courses in high school. Contact your local community college about dual enrollment. Most colleges welcome homeschoolers. Your student can earn college credits before graduation.
Moving to the Sunshine State
Coming from another state? Simply file your notice of intent within 30 days of arriving. Notably, no transfer paperwork needed from your old state. Just start fresh under state law.
Moving Away
First, send a termination letter to your district. Then, keep your records for two more years. Additionally, check your new state’s laws before moving.
Homeschool Sports Access
Good news for homeschool athletes. Under the Craig Dickinson Act, homeschooled students can try out for public school sports teams.
Requirements:
- Live in the school’s zone
- Meet academic eligibility (show satisfactory progress)
- Try out like any other student
- Follow the same rules as enrolled students
In fact, many homeschoolers play public school sports, band, and other activities. This is a big benefit that many other states don’t offer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Unfortunately, new homeschoolers sometimes make these errors:
- Filing too early: Wait until you start teaching. The 30 days starts when you begin.
- Thinking it’s annual: You only file once. The notice of intent is not yearly.
- Skipping the portfolio: Keep simple records. You’ll need them for evaluation.
- Missing evaluation deadline: Due on your anniversary date each year. Set a reminder.
- Forgetting to save records: Keep everything for two years minimum.
Homeschool Resources
State Organizations
- HSLDA: Legal requirements, support, and member resources
- Parent Educators Association (FPEA): Support, conventions, and resources
- Department of Education: Official state home education info
Finding Local Groups
Fortunately, the state has active homeschool communities. Find:
- Facebook groups for your county
- FPEA local support groups
- Church homeschool groups
- Secular homeschool groups
- Co-ops and learning centers
Evaluation Services
Search for homeschool evaluators in your area. Notably, many do remote evaluations. Additionally, FPEA also lists evaluators throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file my notice of intent every year?
No. Simply file once when you start. After that, just do your annual evaluation. You only file again if you move to a new county.
What if I forget to file my notice within 30 days?
Simply file as soon as you remember. Generally, districts don’t typically count days. Just get it done.
Can I homeschool just one child and send others to school?
Yes. Each child is separate. You can homeschool some and enroll others in public or private school.
What if my child doesn’t score well on the evaluation?
Importantly, there’s no minimum score. The evaluation just shows progress. If you use testing, no specific score is required.
Can homeschoolers join public school activities?
Yes! The Craig Dickinson Act lets homeschoolers play sports and join activities at their local public school.
How do I get a homeschool diploma?
Simply issue it yourself. Create a diploma stating your child graduated from your homeschool. It’s legally valid and accepted by state colleges.
Start Your Florida Homeschool Journey Today
In summary, the Sunshine State makes homeschooling simple. Basically, file your notice. Then keep a portfolio. Finally, do your yearly evaluation. That’s the legal side. The rest is up to you.
Your action plan:
- Send your notice of intent to the school district
- Choose curriculum that fits your family
- Start your portfolio (log activities, save work samples)
- Plan your first annual evaluation
- Connect with local homeschool groups
- Start teaching!
Fortunately, the homeschool community is large and welcoming. You’ll find support groups, co-ops, and activities throughout the state. Moreover, all that sunshine makes field trips pretty great. Welcome to Sunshine State homeschooling!
Related State Guides
Comparing homeschool requirements? Explore our other state guides:
- How to Homeschool in Texas – Even fewer requirements
- New York Homeschool Guide – Higher regulation for comparison
- Washington Homeschool Requirements – Parent qualifications required
- Arizona Homeschool Laws – Low regulation with ESA funding option
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