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.
In our Library: Homeschooling in Florida: Complete Guide for 2026 (HEP, Umbrella, ESA)
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).
Find a homeschool co-op in Florida
42 homeschool co-ops in Florida, listed by town with ages, meeting days and fees. Each one checked against its own website and dated, so you can see how current it is.
Homeschool Co-ops in FloridaWaldorf schools and kindergartens in Florida
The Waldorf Map lists 8 schools, 3 kindergartens and playgroups, 2 co-ops and homeschool groups, and 1 class or course in Florida, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Waldorf School of Palm Beach, Boca Raton
- Waldorf School of Tampa Bay, Palm Harbor
- 12 Petal Lotus Collective, Englewood
- GNV Bridge Homeschool Co-op, Gainesville
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
Help with the cost in Florida
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalized Education Program (PEP) / Florida Education Scholarship (FES-UA)ESAWARNING: PEP students are considered 'Scholarship Students', NOT statutory 'Home Education Program' students. You do NOT file a Notice of Intent with the district. Testing is required annually via the SFO. Sports access is NOT guaranteed (unlike Option 1). The McKay Scholarship has been merged into FES-UA. | ~$8,000+ per student (2024-2025) | All Florida students. Priority given to students with disabilities or from low-income families. | stepupforstudents.org |
Amounts as this guide lists them, last reviewed 2025-12-17. The official site has this year's figure.
Homeschool Funding by US State in 2026: ESAs, Tax Credits, and Charter Programs
Questions about homeschooling in Florida
Do I need to be a certified teacher to homeschool in Florida?
No. Under the Home Education Program (Option 1) or Umbrella School (Option 2), parents do not need any teaching certification.
Does the state pay for homeschooling?
Generally, no. However, the Personalized Education Program (PEP) and FES-UA scholarships administered by Step Up For Students can provide funds for curriculum and services for eligible students.
What if I move to a different county in Florida?
You must file a Notice of Termination with your old county and file a new Notice of Intent with the new county.
Can my homeschooler play sports at the public high school?
Yes. The Craig Dickinson Act allows home education students to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities at their zoned public school.
Get Florida’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Florida page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for news when our Florida page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Free Florida paperwork tools
Generate your Florida notice of intent letter in two minutes, and get an email before every filing deadline. Free, no account needed, works with any curriculum.
Want the whole year handled? See Starpath Records
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · FL homeschool law guide