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Florida Homeschool Laws

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Last Updated On
byM Lycurgus

Florida families have three legal ways to homeschool. Most use the home education statute, section 1002.41. Others enroll in a private “umbrella” school or use a certified private tutor. School is required for children who turn 6 by February 1 of the school year. It continues until age 16. Under the home education statute, you file a written notice with your county superintendent. File it within 30 days of starting. You file it only once, not every year. The district must register your program right away. It may not ask for more information unless your child joins a district program. Parents do not need a teaching certificate.

Day to day, Florida law sets no required subjects or school day for home education. Instead, you keep a portfolio for each child. It holds a log of activities, reading titles, and work samples. Keep it for two years. Each year, your child must also have an evaluation, which you file with the district. You pick from five methods, such as a certified teacher’s review or a national test. When you finish, file a notice of termination within 30 days. Home education students may also play school sports and join dual enrollment. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.

Children who are 6, or will turn 6 by February 1 of the school year, must attend school regularly until they turn 16 (Fla. Stat. § 1003.21; HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in Florida). A home education program registered with the superintendent satisfies this requirement (Fla. Stat. § 1002.41).

Florida recognizes three options (HSLDA: How to Comply with Florida’s Homeschool Law):

  • Option 1: Home education program under section 1002.41 (details below).
  • Option 2: Private “umbrella” school. Enroll in a private school registered with the Florida Department of Education that oversees your homeschool. Your child is then a private school student, and the school keeps the records.
  • Option 3: Private tutor. The tutor must hold a valid Florida teaching certificate for the subjects or grades taught, keep the required records, and provide 180 days of instruction.

Annual evaluation (Option 1): Each year, you must file an evaluation with the district that shows progress at a level that matches your child’s ability. You choose one of these methods (§ 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 under district-approved conditions.
  • An evaluation by a licensed psychologist or school psychologist.
  • Any other valid tool agreed on by you and the superintendent.

If the evaluation does not show enough progress, the district notifies you in writing. You then have one year of remedial instruction before your child is reevaluated (§ 1002.41(2)).

Portfolio: The superintendent may, but does not have to, inspect your portfolio after giving 15 days’ written notice (§ 1002.41(1)(e)).

None. Florida law does not set required subjects for home education, and a home education program does not have to meet the requirements of a school day (HSLDA: Florida Homeschool Laws; § 1002.41(3)).

Notice of intent (Option 1): File a written, signed notice with the superintendent of the county where you live within 30 days of starting. Include the full legal names, addresses, and birthdates of each child. You do not need to refile each year (§ 1002.41(1)(a); HSLDA).

The superintendent must accept the notice and register your program immediately. The district may not assign a grade level or put your child’s Social Security number or other personal information in a database unless your child joins a district program or service (§ 1002.41(1)(b)).

Notice of termination: When the program ends, file a written notice of termination with the superintendent, along with the annual evaluation, within 30 days (§ 1002.41(1)(c)). HSLDA suggests filing a new notice of intent if you move to another Florida county (HSLDA).

To find your county contact, see the Florida Department of Education: Home Education page.

Option 1: No separate attendance log, but you must keep a portfolio with a log of educational activities made at the time of instruction, listing the titles of reading materials, plus samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials. Keep it for two years (§ 1002.41(1)(d)-(e)).

Option 3: The private tutor keeps records and makes reports as required, and students attend 180 days or the hourly equivalent (HSLDA).

None for Option 1. Families using Option 2 enroll in a private school registered with the Florida Department of Education. Parents are responsible for making sure the school follows state private school rules (HSLDA).

None for parents. The home education statute says the parent does not need a Florida teaching certificate (§ 1002.41(1)). Under Option 3, the private tutor must hold a valid Florida teaching certificate (HSLDA).

Yes. Home education students may take part in interscholastic extracurricular activities under section 1006.15, known as the Craig Dickinson Act (§ 1002.41(4); Fla. Stat. § 1006.15; HSLDA: Public School Access in Florida).

A 2026 law, SB 538, rewrote section 1006.15 effective July 1, 2026 (Florida Senate: SB 538 (2026)). According to the Home Education Foundation, home education students are now included in one “eligible student” group. Academic progress is still shown by a method agreed on by the parent and the principal. Students may choose any school in their district, and home education students pay only the fees that enrolled students also pay (Home Education Foundation).

None for homeschoolers (HSLDA: Florida Homeschool Laws).

Home education students may (§ 1002.41(5)-(12)):

  • Qualify for Bright Futures scholarships and take part in dual enrollment.
  • Be admitted to Florida College System institutions and state universities.
  • Use testing and evaluation services at diagnostic and resource centers.
  • Receive exceptional student education related services or career and technical courses at the district’s option, by enrolling in a public school for those services only.
  • Take industry certifications and statewide assessments offered by the district.

Limits on districts: A school district may not regulate or require documentation from home education families beyond section 1002.41, unless it is needed to join a district program (§ 1002.41(13)).

Scholarships: Students in the Personalized Education Program (PEP) use a scholarship account and follow different rules. See our Florida School Choice Options page.

Last reviewed: November 2, 2026

*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.

Update History

  • November 2, 2026
    • Law change: Added the 2026 rewrite of the Craig Dickinson Act (SB 538, Chapter 2026-93, effective July 1, 2026) to the sports section (SB 538).
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