Florida Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

In Florida, parents have three primary options for homeschooling their children:

  1. Home Education Program: Parents provide instruction and comply with specific requirements.

  2. Umbrella School: Children are enrolled in a private school that oversees the homeschooling process.

  3. Private Tutor: Instruction is provided by a certified teacher.

Home Education Program Requirements:

  • Notification: Parents must submit a one-time written notice of intent to the local superintendent within 30 days of beginning the home education program. This notice should include the names, addresses, and birth dates of the students.

  • Teacher Qualifications: There are no specific qualifications required for parents to homeschool their children under this option.

  • Instructional Days/Hours: There is no mandated number of instructional days or hours for home education programs in Florida.

  • Subjects: The state does not mandate specific subjects to be taught in home education programs.

  • Recordkeeping: Parents are required to maintain a portfolio of records and materials, including a log of educational activities and samples of the student's work. This portfolio must be preserved for two years and made available for inspection by the superintendent upon 15 days' written notice.

  • Assessment: An annual educational evaluation is required to document the student's progress. This can be achieved through various methods, such as a review by a certified teacher, standardized testing, or an evaluation by a licensed psychologist. The results must be submitted to the local superintendent.

Umbrella School Option:

Parents may choose to enroll their child in a private school that oversees the homeschooling process. These schools, often referred to as "umbrella" or "cover" schools, have their own enrollment procedures and may offer additional support. While the state does not impose specific requirements for this option, parents should adhere to the policies set by the chosen private school.

Private Tutor Option:

Parents can hire a private tutor who holds a valid Florida teaching certificate for the subjects or grades being taught. The tutor must provide 180 days of instruction and maintain records of attendance and student progress.

Compulsory Attendance:

Florida law requires children aged 6 to 16 to attend school regularly. Homeschooling satisfies this requirement when conducted under any of the options mentioned above.

Homeschooling Resources in Florida

Local Homeschool Organizations

  1. Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA)

    • Statewide homeschooling advocacy group offering resources, events, and legal support.
    • Website: fpea.com

  2. HOME (Home Organization of Parent Educators)

    • A community network for Florida homeschoolers, offering support and resources.
    • Website: home-schooling.org

Educational Resources and Curriculum Providers

  1. Florida Virtual School (FLVS)

    • Offers free online courses for Florida residents from kindergarten through grade 12.
    • Website: flvs.net

  2. Time4Learning

    • Popular online curriculum with flexible programs for pre-K to 12th grade.
    • Website: time4learning.com

  3. HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)

    • Provides legal support, transcripts, and progress-tracking tools for homeschoolers in Florida.
    • Website: hslda.org

Support Groups and Forums

  1. Florida Homeschooling FB Groups

    • Connect with local homeschoolers through groups like “Homeschooling Florida” on Facebook.

  2. Florida Homeschool Help

    • Offers webinars, step-by-step guidance on starting your homeschooling journey, and consultations.
    • Website: flhomeschoolhelp.com

 

Florida Department of Education's Home Education