Navigating Home Education in Florida: Requirements and Opportunities

Homeschooling in Florida is a legally recognized and flexible alternative to public education, empowering parents to tailor their child’s learning experience. Florida gives homeschooling families two options: start a home education program or enroll in a private school that allows parent-led education. Both meet state requirements and let families tailor learning to their needs. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and fulfilling the requirements for home education in Florida, ensuring a successful and rewarding educational journey for both parents and students.

Understanding Florida's Home Education Program

Definition and Oversight

Florida defines a “home education program” as “sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his or her parent.” A home education program is not a school district program and is registered with the district school superintendent only for the purpose of complying with the state’s attendance requirements under s. 1003.21(1). The parent is not required to hold a valid regular Florida teaching certificate.

Notification of Intent

Parents who choose to homeschool under the home education program option must formally notify their local school district. Within 30 days of beginning your homeschool program, you must file a notice of intent to establish a home education program with the county superintendent. You do not need to file this every year. This notice must be in writing, signed by the parent, and include the full legal names, addresses, and birthdates of all children who shall be enrolled as students in the home education program. HSLDA members may use our attorney-designed notice of intent form, attached below. State law requires the superintendent to accept the notice and immediately register the home education program. The district may not require any additional information or verification from the parent unless the student chooses to participate in a school district program or service. The district school superintendent may not assign a grade level to the home education student or include a social security number or any other personal information of the student in any school district or state database unless the student chooses to participate in a school district program or service.

Portfolio Maintenance

Throughout the year, you must keep a portfolio of records and materials. You must keep this portfolio for two years after it is completed. Parents must maintain a portfolio of records and materials, including (1) “a log of educational activities that is made contemporaneously with the instruction and that designates by title any reading materials used,” and (2) “samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student.” This portfolio must be preserved for 2 years and must be made available for inspection by the local superintendent “upon 15 days’ written notice.” The district school superintendent or his or her agent can, but is not required to, review your portfolio only after 15 days’ written notice. The parent shall determine the content of the portfolio, preserve it for 2 years, and make it available for inspection, if requested, by the district school superintendent, or the district school superintendent’s agent, upon 15 days’ written notice. Nothing in this section shall require the district school superintendent to inspect the portfolio.

Annual Evaluation

Each student must be evaluated by one of the following options every year: Parents must provide for an annual educational evaluation documenting “the student’s demonstration of educational progress at a level commensurate with her or his ability.” Parents must file a copy of students’ annual educational evaluation with the local superintendent. There are several forms this evaluation may take:

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Have educational progress evaluated by a teacher holding a valid regular Florida teaching certificate and selected by the parent-the evaluation must include review of a portfolio and discussion with the student; A teacher selected by the parent shall evaluate the student’s educational progress upon review of the portfolio and discussion with the student. Such teacher shall hold a valid regular Florida certificate to teach academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level;
Take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher; The student shall take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher;
Take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district; The student shall take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district;
Be evaluated by a Florida licensed psychologist or school psychologist; The student shall be evaluated by an individual holding a valid, active license pursuant to the provisions of s. 490.003(7) or (8); or
Be “evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon.” The student shall be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the district school superintendent of the district in which the student resides and the student’s parent.

The district school superintendent shall accept the results of the annual educational evaluation of the student in a home education program. If the student does not demonstrate educational progress at a level commensurate with her or his ability, the district school superintendent shall notify the parent, in writing, that such progress has not been achieved. The parent shall have 1 year from the date of receipt of the written notification to provide remedial instruction to the student. At the end of the 1-year probationary period, the student shall be reevaluated as specified in paragraph (1)(f). Continuation in a home education program shall be contingent upon the student demonstrating educational progress commensurate with her or his ability at the end of the probationary period.

Notice of Termination

When your student completes their homeschool program, or your family moves out of the county, you should submit a notice of termination to the county superintendent of schools within 30 days of completion of the homeschool program. Parents must also file a written notice of termination with the local superintendent when ceasing to homeschool. It is recommended to submit a copy of your child’s final annual assessment along with the notice of termination when your child graduates from high school. While no assessment should be necessary when you move to a new county in the middle of the school year, it is suggested that you provide your annual assessment if the move occurs near your anniversary date. The parent shall file a written notice of termination upon completion of the home education program with the district school superintendent, along with the annual evaluation required in paragraph (f), within 30 days of termination.

Change of Residence

Should there be a change of residence, but do not wish to terminate the home education program in Florida, the parent should notify the new district to which the child is moving to that they are transferring their home education program to the new district and provide the previous district with information on the change in district. The previous district shall simply close out the student’s files.

Alternative: Umbrella School - Private School Enrollment

Parents may enroll their children in a private school created to serve as a homeschool “umbrella” school. Parents who wish to homeschool may choose to enroll their children in a private school while educating them at home. Some Florida private schools exist for the sole purpose of enrolling homeschooled students and offering them services. If you choose this option, your homeschool program is supervised by them rather than overseen by local school officials. It is your responsibility as the parent to ensure that the school in which you enroll your student is in compliance with all private school requirements mandated by the state of Florida.

Requirements for Umbrella Schools

Parents must provide 180 days of instruction and maintain attendance and immunization records. Private schools must maintain the basic information needed for filing the annual database form.

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Additional Homeschooling Options

Private Tutor

Parents with teaching certificates may homeschool under the private tutor option. Your child’s instructor must hold a valid Florida certificate to teach the subjects or grades in which instruction is given. The certified teacher who is tutoring your child must keep records and make reports as required by the state and district school boards in accordance with Florida Statutes 1003.23.

Key Considerations for Homeschooling in Florida

Compulsory Education

Florida law mandates that children aged 6 to 16 must receive compulsory education, ensuring that all students meet educational requirements within the state.

Parent Qualifications

No specific teaching credentials are required for parents to homeschool their children under the home education program.

Curriculum

The law does not mandate a specific curriculum, but parents are expected to provide a sequentially progressive instruction program suited to the child's needs. There are hundreds of curriculum options that parents can choose from! From textbook-based curriculum, co-cop formats, dual enrollment, and FLVS Flex courses, your student’s education is guided by you! If this intimidates you, many families choose to utilize FLVS Flex courses for their curriculum as FLVS offers a fully-accredited, public school curriculum taught by Florida certified teachers. Your students will meet all Florida state standards, have official transcripts from FLVS, and a team of school counselors to help guide you in this educational adventure.

Choosing a Curriculum

Find one that fits your family’s needs, like Time4Learning, which offers flexible, engaging resources for all grade levels. It includes core subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies, along with a variety of electives such as coding, art, and foreign languages to complement a well-rounded education. Time4Learning is a comprehensive online curriculum that covers core subjects such as math, language arts, science, and social studies. With its interactive lessons, quizzes, and record-keeping features, Time4Learning can help parents successfully manage and document their homeschool programs in Florida.

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Setting a Daily Schedule

Create a routine that works for your child, balancing core subjects and electives for a well-rounded education.

Graduation Requirements

Florida homeschoolers do not have formal graduation requirements imposed by the state. Parents have the freedom to determine what constitutes their child’s completion of high school. However, it’s recommended to align with typical high school standards if students plan to attend college. Homeschool parents can issue a diploma to their graduate. Maintaining a detailed high school transcript-including coursework, grades, and achievements-is crucial for post-secondary endeavors.

Homeschool Diploma

There is no diploma issued by the public school system in Florida for the completion of a home education program. Instead, homeschool parents can issue a diploma and complete a homeschool affidavit in front of a notary to legalize their student’s graduation. A signed affidavit of completion (notarized letter) submitted by the student’s parent attesting that the student has completed a home education program, pursuant to the requirements of s.1002.41, F.S.

Opportunities for Homeschool Students

Extracurricular Activities

Both homeschool and umbrella students have full access to all extracurricular activities in their local public schools, including interscholastic athletics. Home education students may participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities in accordance with the provisions of s. 1006.15.

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Home education students may participate in the Bright Futures Scholarship Program in accordance with the provisions of ss. 1009.53-1009.538.

Dual Enrollment Programs

Home education students may participate in dual enrollment programs in accordance with ss. 1007.27(4) and 1007.271(13).

College Admission

Home education students are eligible for admission to Florida College System institutions in accordance with the provisions of s. 1007.263. Home education students are eligible for admission to state universities in accordance with the policies and guidelines of the Board of Governors. Florida homeschoolers are highly successful in getting admitted to colleges and universities. Many Florida institutions, including the University of Florida and Florida State University, openly accept homeschool applicants. Homeschooled students follow the same general process as traditionally schooled students but must ensure they present a clear academic record. Be sure to reach out to admissions offices for guidance on their specific requirements for homeschool applicants.

Testing and Evaluation Services

Testing and evaluation services at diagnostic and resource centers shall be available to home education program students, including, but not limited to, students with disabilities, in accordance with the provisions of s. 1006.03. Homeschooled students with disabilities are eligible for testing through their local public schools, but not to services offered through these schools. “Home education program students may receive testing and evaluation services at diagnostic and resource centers.”

Exceptional Student Education-Related Services

A school district may provide exceptional student education-related services, as defined in State Board of Education rule, to a home education program student with a disability who is eligible for the services and who enrolls in a public school solely for the purpose of receiving those related services. The school district providing the services shall report each student as a full-time equivalent student in the class and in a manner prescribed by the Department of Education, and funding shall be provided through the Florida Education Finance Program pursuant to s. 1011.62.

Career and Technical Courses and Programs

A school district may provide access to career and technical courses and programs for a home education program student who enrolls in a public school solely for the career and technical courses or programs. The school district that provides the career and technical courses and programs shall report each student as a full-time equivalent student in the class and in a manner prescribed by the department, and funding shall be provided through the Florida Education Finance Program pursuant to s. 1011.62.

Industry Certifications and Assessments

Industry certifications, national assessments, and statewide, standardized assessments offered by a school district shall be available to home education program students. Each school district shall notify home education program students of the available certifications and assessments; the date, time, and locations for the administration of each certification and assessment; and the deadline for notifying the school district of the student’s intent to participate and the student’s preferred location.

Restrictions on School District Regulation

A school district may not further regulate, exercise control over, or require documentation from parents of home education program students beyond the requirements of this section unless the regulation, control, or documentation is necessary for participation in a school district program.

Preparing for College

Here's what homeschoolers can do to prepare for college:

Maintain a robust transcript detailing high school courses, credits, and grades. Homeschoolers often create their own transcripts, outlining coursework completed at home, co-ops, or online programs. Be sure to include course descriptions, grading scales, and any honors or advanced-level classes. Time4learning parents have access to a transcript template to fill out.
Obtain letters of recommendation, especially from educators or extracurricular mentors. Homeschoolers can request letters from co-op teachers, online instructors, volunteer supervisors, or activity leaders who can vouch for their skills and character.
Take college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT, as these are often required. Homeschoolers typically register independently for these exams and use practice resources to prepare. Test scores can help validate academic rigor for colleges.
Build a portfolio to showcase your work, passion projects, internships, and volunteer experiences. The flexibility of a homeschool schedule gives students a unique opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities.

Tips for Successful Homeschooling

Be an active part of your student’s education. When students have a team of adults behind them, they are more likely to be successful.
Understand homeschool laws and plan for the future. Research what is needed for admission to the school of their dreams.
Reach out for support. With FLVS, you have a team to help you!
Update your student’s status when complete or transitioning.

Resources and Support

Florida Department of Education’s Home Education Program page: For a comprehensive guide to Florida’s homeschooling laws and requirements, visit the Florida Department of Education’s Home Education Program page.
Time4Learning: With its interactive lessons, quizzes, and record-keeping features, Time4Learning can help parents successfully manage and document their homeschool programs in Florida.
FLVS Flex courses: Home Education students who use FLVS Flex courses have access to a Florida certified professional school counselor to answer all these questions!

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