Florida Homeschool Requirements: A Parent's Guide

Deciding to homeschool is a significant step, and understanding the legal requirements is the foundation for a confident start. In Florida, the process is managed through the state's Home Education Program. The rules are designed to ensure children are receiving an education while giving families a great deal of freedom in how they teach.

This guide will walk you through the four main components of Florida's homeschool law: filing your initial notice, maintaining a portfolio, completing an annual evaluation, and, if necessary, withdrawing from a traditional school. With a clear understanding of these steps, you can focus on what matters most: your child's learning journey.

Florida's Home Education Program

Florida law refers to homeschooling as the "Home Education Program." It's available for any child who is of compulsory school attendance age, which in Florida is from 6 to 16 years old. If your child is 5, you can start homeschooling, but you are not required to register with the state until they turn 6.

The program is overseen by the school superintendent in your local county. While the requirements are consistent statewide, your local district office is your primary point of contact. The core of the program involves a one-time notice to start, ongoing record-keeping through a portfolio, and a yearly evaluation to show progress.

Starting Your Homeschool: The Notice of Intent

Your first official step is to notify your county that you will be homeschooling. This is done by filing a Notice of Intent with your district school superintendent. You must file this notice within 30 days of establishing your home education program.

The notice itself is a simple, signed letter. It must include the full legal name, address, and birthdate for each child you will be homeschooling. You do not need to seek permission or approval; you are simply informing the district of your choice. This is a one-time notice per child and does not need to be renewed each year.

To find the correct mailing address or contact information, you can search for your county on the Florida Department of Education's district contact list. It is always a good practice to keep a copy of the notice and any proof of delivery for your personal records.

If Your Child Is Leaving a School

If your child is currently enrolled in a public or private school, you must also formally withdraw them. In addition to filing the Notice of Intent with the superintendent, you should send a separate letter of withdrawal to the principal of your child's current school. This is a critical step to ensure your child is not marked as truant.

Your withdrawal letter can be brief. Simply state that you are withdrawing your child to begin a home education program. Some districts may have their own withdrawal forms or procedures, so it can be helpful to check with the school office. Again, keep a copy of this letter for your files.

The Homeschool Portfolio: Documenting Your Year

Once you begin homeschooling, Florida law requires you to maintain a portfolio of your child's work. The purpose of the portfolio is to provide a record of their educational activities and demonstrate that learning is taking place. It is not something you submit regularly, but you must keep it and make it available if the superintendent requests to see it.

According to state law, the portfolio must contain two main things:

1. A log of educational activities: This should be a dated record of the learning your child is doing. It can be as simple as a daily or weekly list in a notebook. You should also include a list of the primary reading materials used.
2. Samples of your child's work: This includes examples of writing, worksheets, reports, drawings, photos of projects, or any other materials that show what your child has been learning and creating.

You must preserve the portfolio for two years. If the superintendent's office requests to see it, they must provide you with 15 days' written notice. This is not a common occurrence, but it is part of the law. The portfolio is your private record, not a public document.

Try not to let the portfolio become a source of stress. A simple three-ring binder with dividers for each subject can work well. You can also keep digital records in a folder on your computer. As you gather materials and log activities for your portfolio, it's helpful to have a system. If you're mapping out the year ahead, Doodlepad can help you build a plan around your curriculum, which makes documenting your activities simple.

The Annual Evaluation: Showing Progress

The only document you are required to submit each year is an annual evaluation. This evaluation demonstrates that your child is making educational progress suitable for their age and ability. You must submit the evaluation to your district superintendent's office for each child in your home education program, once every 12 months.

Florida law gives parents five different options for the annual evaluation. You are free to choose the one that works best for your family and your child.

1. Portfolio Review by a Certified Teacher: You can have a Florida-certified teacher review your child's portfolio and have a discussion with your child. The teacher then provides a signed letter stating that progress has been made. This is a popular, low-stress option for many families.
2. Nationally Normed Achievement Test: Your child can take a nationally recognized standardized test. The test must be administered by a Florida-certified teacher. The results are then submitted to the superintendent.
3. State Student Assessment Test: Your child can take the same standardized tests given to public school students (like the FSA). This can be arranged with your local school district.
4. Evaluation by a Licensed Professional: A Florida-licensed psychologist or school psychologist can conduct an evaluation of your child and provide a report to the district.
5. Other Agreed-Upon Method: You and your district superintendent can mutually agree on a different method for evaluation. This option provides flexibility but requires communication and pre-approval from the superintendent.

Once the evaluation is complete, you send a copy to the superintendent's office. This completes your requirement for the year.

Terminating Your Home Education Program

If you decide to stop homeschooling—either by enrolling your child in school or moving out of the state—you should formally close your program. To do this, you file a Notice of Termination with your district superintendent's office.

This notice should be filed within 30 days of ending your program. Along with the notice, you must submit your final annual evaluation. This closes the loop with the district and ensures there are no questions about your child's educational status.

Always Check Official Sources

Homeschooling laws can be updated, so it is important to rely on official information. The primary authority for home education in Florida is your county's school superintendent. For statewide rules and statutes, the Florida Department of Education is the best source.

Here are the official resources for Florida's Home Education Program:

• Florida Statutes §1002.41: This is the text of the law itself.
• Florida Department of Education — Home Education: This page provides resources and contact information for all school districts.

Navigating these requirements is a manageable part of the homeschooling process. By following these straightforward steps, you can establish a strong legal foundation for your home education program and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that homeschooling in Florida offers.