How to Start Homeschooling in Florida

To start homeschooling in Florida, you send a signed, written notice of intent to your county's school superintendent within 30 days of starting your home education program. After that, the law asks for three things: keep a portfolio, arrange an annual evaluation, and file a notice of termination when you stop.

The rules come mainly from one statute, section 1002.41 of the Florida Statutes. This guide walks through each step in plain terms.

Who has to follow Florida's home education law?

Florida's compulsory attendance law, s. 1003.21, F.S., covers children who are 6, or who will turn 6 by February 1 of the school year, until they turn 16. A home education program that meets the requirements of Chapter 1002 counts as regular school attendance under s. 1003.01(16).

Section 1002.01(1) defines a home education program as "sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his or her parent." You do not need a Florida teaching certificate to run one.

Step 1: How do you file a notice of intent?

The notice of intent is a short letter or form telling the district school superintendent of the county where you live that you are starting a home education program. Under s. 1002.41(1)(a), it must:

Be in writing and signed by the parent
Include the full legal name, address and birthdate of each child you will homeschool
Be filed with the superintendent's office within 30 days of starting the program

Many districts have a form or online portal, but the statute only requires the items above. The superintendent must accept the notice and register your program immediately. The district may not ask for more information unless your child signs up for a district program or service.

The district also may not assign your child a grade level or put their Social Security number or other personal information into a district or state database, again unless your child joins a district program or service.

Keep a copy of your notice and any confirmation you receive. The date your program is registered matters later, because many districts time the annual evaluation from it.

Step 2: What about withdrawing from public school?

Section 1002.41 does not lay out a withdrawal procedure. Districts handle that side locally.

Miami-Dade, for example, tells parents that to establish a home education program, a parent must first withdraw the child from the public or private school. Call your child's school or your district's home education office to ask how they want it done, and keep a copy of whatever you submit.

Step 3: What goes in a homeschool portfolio?

Under s. 1002.41(1)(d) and (e), you must keep a portfolio of records and materials that includes:

A log of educational activities, made at the time of instruction, that lists by title any reading materials used
Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials your child used or produced

You decide what goes in it. You must keep it for 2 years and make it available if the superintendent or their agent asks, with 15 days' written notice. The superintendent is not required to inspect it.

Step 4: How does the annual evaluation work?

Each year you must arrange an evaluation showing that your child is making educational progress "at a level commensurate with her or his ability," and file a copy with the superintendent's office. You choose one of five methods listed in s. 1002.41(1)(f):

A review of the portfolio and a discussion with your child by a teacher with a valid regular Florida certificate
Any nationally normed achievement test given by a certified teacher
A state student assessment used by the district, given by a certified teacher at a location and under conditions the district approves
An evaluation by a licensed psychologist or school psychologist
Any other valid measurement tool you and the superintendent agree on

The statute says "annually." Districts including Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and St. Johns ask for the evaluation by the anniversary of your enrollment date. Ask your district how it counts that date.

Step 5: How do you stop homeschooling?

When your home education program ends, s. 1002.41(1)(c) requires you to file a written notice of termination with the superintendent within 30 days. You must file it along with the annual evaluation.

That applies whether your child is enrolling in a public or private school or finishing home education. Because the notice of intent goes to the superintendent of the county where you live, ask both districts how they handle it if you move to another Florida county.

What are the alternatives to a home education program?

Private school, including "umbrella" schools. Under s. 1002.42(7), attending a private school also satisfies Florida's attendance law. Some private schools enroll students who are taught at home; families often call these umbrella or cover schools. That term does not appear in the statute. A child enrolled in a private school is not in a home education program under s. 1002.41, so the school's own policies apply instead of the district notice, portfolio and evaluation rules. Private schools file an annual survey with the Florida Department of Education.

The PEP scholarship. The Personalized Education Program is a separate path under s. 1002.395, registered with a scholarship-funding organization rather than the district, and a student in a home education program is not eligible for the scholarship at the same time.

Whichever path you choose, you can browse Florida homeschool providers for curriculum, co-ops, tutors and evaluators near you.

What to do now

Pick your start date and write down the 30-day deadline for your notice of intent.
Find your county district's home education office and its notice form or portal.
If your child is in school now, ask the school or district how to withdraw.
Set up a simple daily log and a folder for work samples from day one.
Put your enrollment anniversary on the calendar and choose an evaluation method early.

FAQ

Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Florida?

No. Section 1002.41(1) states that the parent is not required to hold a valid regular Florida teaching certificate.

Can the school district require more information than the notice of intent?

No, unless your child participates in a district program or service. Section 1002.41(1)(b) and (13) bar districts from requiring extra documentation beyond the statute.

How long do I have to file the notice of intent in Florida?

Within 30 days of establishing the home education program, filed with the superintendent of the county where you live.

Has Florida's home education law changed recently?

The history note for s. 1002.41 lists 2018 as the most recent amendment (ch. 2018-134). No 2025 or 2026 law amended the section.

Sources

Last checked: June 2026

How to Start Homeschooling in Florida: 5 Steps Under the Law