Your state guide · 2026
Florida homeschool laws
Last verified · View official sources
The short answer
Florida parents can run a home education program by sending a signed notice to the county school superintendent within 30 days of starting.
At a glance
- Notice to the county superintendent within 30 days
- Portfolio kept for 2 years
- Annual evaluation, 5 methods
- No parent teaching certificate needed
- Can join school extracurriculars
Requirements at a glance
Read the details for your chosen homeschooling option below.
| Requirement | What to know |
|---|---|
| Compulsory school ages | 6–16 |
| Notice required | Yes |
| Filing deadline | Within 30 days of starting the program. A termination notice is due within 30 days of ending it, along with the annual evaluation. |
| Required subjects | Not specified in state law |
| Instruction time | Not specified in state law. Home education programs do not have to meet school-day requirements. |
| Parent qualifications | The parent does not need a Florida teaching certificate. |
| Tests & assessments | Each year the parent files an evaluation with the county superintendent using one of five methods: a portfolio review and discussion with the child by a Florida-certified teacher; a nationally normed achievement test given by a certified teacher; the state student assessment given by a certified teacher at a district site; an evaluation by a licensed psychologist; or another method the superintendent and parent agree on. If progress is not adequate, the parent has one year of remedial instruction before reevaluation. |
| Records to keep | Keep a portfolio with a log of educational activities written as they happen, including titles of reading materials, plus samples of the child's writing, worksheets, workbooks or creative work. Keep it for two years and make it available for inspection within 15 days of a written request from the superintendent. |
| Immunizations | Not specified in state law (section 1002.41 does not mention immunizations). |
How to start homeschooling in Florida
The parent keeps a portfolio of the child's work for two years and files an annual evaluation of the child's progress, chosen from five methods set in law. The state sets no subject list, schedule or teacher certificate requirement for the parent.
Choose your homeschooling option
Home education program. Sequentially progressive instruction directed by the parent after filing a notice with the county superintendent under section 1002.41.
Prepare your notice
A signed written notice listing the full legal names, addresses and birthdates of all children in the program. The Department of Education posts a sample notice (affidavit); districts may have their own form.
Open the official notice resource ↗Check when and where to file
When: Within 30 days of starting the program. A termination notice is due within 30 days of ending it, along with the annual evaluation.
Where: The district school superintendent of the county where the family lives.
Subjects to teach
- Not specified in state law
Sports & extracurricular activities
Home education students may take part in interscholastic extracurricular activities under section 1006.15. They may also use dual enrollment, Bright Futures scholarships, career and technical courses, and district testing and evaluation services. Home education students are also eligible for the Family Empowerment Scholarship.
Official forms & law
Florida Department of Education, Home Education ↗
Forms & guidance
Statutes
Questions, answered.
What do I file to homeschool in Florida?
A signed written notice listing the full legal names, addresses and birthdates of all children in the program. The Department of Education posts a sample notice (affidavit); districts may have their own form.
When do I file in Florida?
Within 30 days of starting the program. A termination notice is due within 30 days of ending it, along with the annual evaluation.
What assessments are required in Florida?
Each year the parent files an evaluation with the county superintendent using one of five methods: a portfolio review and discussion with the child by a Florida-certified teacher; a nationally normed achievement test given by a certified teacher; the state student assessment given by a certified teacher at a district site; an evaluation by a licensed psychologist; or another method the superintendent and parent agree on. If progress is not adequate, the parent has one year of remedial instruction before reevaluation.
Check the original
Sources
- Florida Statutes 1002.41, Home education programs ↗Florida Legislature
- Florida Statutes 1003.21, School attendance ↗Florida Legislature
- Home Education ↗Florida Department of Education
- Parent Home Education Resources ↗Florida Department of Education
Last verified .