Florida Homeschool Requirements
Florida requires notification and annual evaluation but offers flexible options for demonstrating educational progress.
Florida Quick Facts
- • Notification to district superintendent required within 30 days
- • Annual educational evaluation required
- • No teacher qualification requirements
- • Portfolio of work must be maintained
- • Multiple evaluation options available
What Florida Law Requires:
Written Notice
File notice of intent with district superintendent within 30 days of establishing homeschool
Portfolio Maintenance
Keep portfolio of records and materials (reading logs, samples of work, curriculum used)
Annual Evaluation
Submit annual educational evaluation showing student progress
Portfolio Available for Inspection
Make portfolio available to district superintendent upon 15 days written notice
Good News:
Florida does NOT require you to use specific curriculum, have teaching credentials, teach specific hours, or submit lesson plans to the district.
1. Teacher Evaluation
Have a Florida certified teacher review the portfolio and write an evaluation letter confirming the student is making satisfactory progress in accordance with their ability.
2. Standardized Testing
Administer a nationally normed standardized test (CAT, Iowa, Stanford, etc.) and submit the results. Student must score at or above the 30th percentile in reading, language arts, or math, or demonstrate a year's progress.
3. Psychological Evaluation
Have a school psychologist assess the child's educational progress.
4. Other Valid Measurement
Use any other method mutually agreed upon by the parent and superintendent (rare).
💡 Most Popular: Teacher evaluation (often costs $40-75) or standardized testing at home
File Notice of Intent
Send letter to your county's district superintendent including:
- • Parent names and addresses
- • Child's name, address, date of birth, and grade level
- • Statement that you will maintain a portfolio
- • Statement that you will provide annual evaluation
Choose Your Curriculum
Select materials that align with your educational philosophy. Florida gives you complete freedom in curriculum choice.
Start Your Portfolio
Begin collecting work samples, tracking reading, and documenting your homeschool journey. Consider using a binder, filing system, or digital portfolio.
Plan Your Annual Evaluation
Decide which evaluation method you'll use. Many families establish a relationship with a certified teacher early on for consistent yearly evaluations.
Reading Log
List of books, articles, and materials read
Work Samples
Examples from each subject (writing, math worksheets, projects, art)
Worksheets & Tests
Completed assignments showing progress
Curriculum Materials
Record of textbooks, workbooks, and programs used
High School & Graduation
Parents can issue diplomas and transcripts. Florida homeschoolers can participate in:
- • Bright Futures Scholarship (with required testing and community service)
- • Dual enrollment at community colleges (age 16+)
- • College admission with transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, portfolio
Special Education
Children with special needs can be homeschooled in Florida. Once withdrawn from public school, parents are not entitled to IEP services, but can access private therapies and support groups.
Sports & Extracurriculars
Florida's Tim Tebow Act allows homeschoolers to participate in public school athletics and extracurricular activities. Contact your local school district for details.
Connect with other Florida homeschool families for support, co-ops, and field trips.
Find Florida GroupsBrowse Florida Field TripsWhere do I send my notice of intent?
Send it to your county's district superintendent. Each district has a designated homeschool contact. FPEA provides a complete list with addresses on their website.
When is the annual evaluation due?
Within 12 months of your notice of intent, and then annually thereafter. Most families choose a consistent date each year (end of school year, child's birthday, etc.).
What if my child doesn't pass the evaluation?
If using standardized testing and scores are below the 30th percentile, you have one year to remediate. You can switch to another evaluation method the following year.
Can I homeschool part-time?
Florida allows enrollment in both homeschool and public school programs simultaneously. Many families use Florida Virtual School (FLVS) for some subjects while homeschooling others.
Ready to Start Homeschooling in Florida?
Join thousands of Florida homeschool families on Homeschool Connect