Homeschool Laws in Florida

Florida is a moderately regulated homeschool state. You have significant freedom in curriculum and methods, but there are annual notification and evaluation requirements you must follow.

Legal Basis

Florida homeschooling is governed by Florida Statute § 1002.41. Florida defines home education as "the sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his or her parent in order to satisfy the regular school attendance requirements" under Florida law.

Step 1 — Notify Your County School District

Within 30 days of beginning home education, you must send a written notice of intent to the Superintendent of your county school district. You must renew this notice each year.

Your notice must include:

• Your name and address
• The name(s) and age(s) of your child(ren)
• A statement that you are establishing a home education program

Send by certified mail to create a paper trail. Each county has its own contact — look up your county school district's home education office.

Step 2 — Maintain a Portfolio

Florida requires you to maintain a portfolio of records for each home-educated child. This is not submitted to the state, but must be kept on hand.

Your portfolio must include:

• A log of educational activities (subjects covered, books read, projects completed)
• Samples of work: writing samples, completed assignments, worksheets, photos of projects

The portfolio must cover the full school year and must be retained for two years.

Step 3 — Annual Evaluation

At the end of each year (or within 12 months of starting), your child must be evaluated by one of these approved methods:

1. Standardized test: Administered by a certified teacher or testing service. Florida does not mandate a specific test — any nationally normed test is acceptable.
2. Florida assessment: A Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) or state assessment (if the district offers it).
3. Evaluation by a state-certified teacher: The teacher reviews the portfolio and provides a written assessment.
4. Evaluation by a psychologist: A Florida-licensed psychologist may evaluate the child's educational progress.
5. Other approved evaluation: Including review by a panel of evaluators or other methods approved by your district.

The evaluation results are kept in your portfolio — you do not submit them to the school district unless requested.

Required Subjects

Florida law requires that home education provide instruction in the same subjects as public schools. The required areas are:

• Reading / Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Health
• Physical Education
• Music / Fine Arts
• Library Skills

You are not required to use any specific curriculum or textbook. You decide how to cover these subjects.

Compulsory School Age

Florida's compulsory attendance age is 6 through 16. Children under 6 or over 16 are not legally required to attend school or be home-educated.

Umbrella School Option

Florida allows families to register with a private school umbrella that provides oversight and record-keeping. Under this option, you are technically a student of the private umbrella school rather than a standalone home educator.

Benefits include: simplified paperwork, shared resources, and sometimes access to group activities and classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Florida require me to use an accredited curriculum? No. You may use any curriculum you choose.

Can my child participate in public school activities? Florida law (the Tim Tebow Act) allows home-educated students to participate in extracurricular activities at their home-zone public school, including sports, if they meet eligibility criteria.

What if I miss the annual evaluation? You have 30 days from the evaluation deadline to complete it. Failure to comply can result in the school district notifying you that your home education program has not met requirements.

Where do I find more information?

• Florida Department of Education — Home Education
• Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA)
• HSLDA — Florida