Homeschooling in Florida
The Sunshine State offers sunny prospects for homeschoolers with flexible laws and strong community support.
Florida is widely considered one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the US. It offers parents significant freedom in choosing curriculum and teaching methods, with three distinct legal pathways to homeschool. The state has a vibrant homeschooling community and provides access to dual enrollment types and the Bright Futures Scholarship for eligible students.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
one-time (plus termination notice)
Key Requirements at a Glance
- No requirement for parents to be certified teachers.
- Freedom to choose any curriculum or teaching method.
- Access to the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
- Right to participate in public school sports and extracurriculars.
Legal Framework
Florida Statutes Section 1002.41 defines the Home Education Program. Alternatively, families may operate under the umbrella of a private school (Section 1002.42) or use a certified private tutor (Section 1002.43).
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notice of Intent
When
Within 30 days of establishing home education program
Where
County school superintendent
How to submit
Written letter or district form
What to include
- • Names of all children
- • Birthdates
- • Addresses
Annual evaluation REQUIRED (teacher review most popular). Portfolio must be kept 2 years (available on 15 days written notice). Notice of Termination required within 30 days of completing, moving, or enrolling elsewhere. **Craig Dickinson Act**: Sports access GUARANTEED. **Dual enrollment**: FREE at FL colleges. **Alternative**: PEP/ESA (~$8,000+/year) available but PEP students do NOT have guaranteed sports access like Home Education students.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Annually
Grades: All
Annual evaluation required.
How to Get Started
- 1
Submit Notice of Intent
Send a written notice to your county School Superintendent.
- •Include child's name, birthdate, and address.
- •Include parent's signature.
- •Submit within 30 days of starting.
Tip: Send via Certified Mail to have proof of receipt. Do not include more info than legally required (e.g., grade level is not required).Within 30 days of establishing the program
- 2
Maintain a Portfolio
Keep a record of your child's work throughout the year.
- •Keep a log of educational activities made contemporaneously with instruction.
- •Keep samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials.
Tip: You don't need to keep every scrap of paper. Select representative samples from the beginning, middle, and end of the year.Ongoing
- 3
Submit Annual Evaluation
Provide proof of educational progress to the Superintendent each year.
- •Choose an evaluation method (Teacher Review, Standardized Test, etc.).
- •Submit the evaluation report by the anniversary date of your Notice of Intent.
Tip: A review by a certified teacher is the most common and often least stressful method.Annually, by anniversary date
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Maximum flexibility
- ✓Access to free dual enrollment
- ✓Access to public school sports (Craig Dickinson Act)
- ✓No cost to register
Cons
- •Must manage own records and portfolio
- •Must arrange and pay for annual evaluation
Track Florida compliance with Starpath
Free portfolio and compliance tracker tailored to Florida's requirements. Log learning, track hours, and generate reports, all in one place.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · FL homeschool law guide