Florida’s homeschool laws are refreshingly straightforward. No teaching credentials required. No state-approved curriculum. No minimum hours per day.
But there are specific boxes to check, and knowing them upfront saves headaches later.
The Four Core Requirements
1. Notice of Intent
Within 30 days of starting homeschooling, file a written notice with your local school district. This one-time form includes basic information: your name, your child’s name, birthdate, and address.
That’s it. No approval needed. You’re simply informing them of your decision.
2. The Portfolio
Keep an ongoing record of your child’s educational journey. This includes:
- A log of learning activities and field trips
- Samples of written work and completed projects
- Any additional materials showing educational progress
You won’t submit this regularly, but districts can request to review it with 15 days’ notice. Most families never get asked, but maintaining it is legally required. Keep records for at least two years.
3. Annual Evaluation
Each year, on your Notice of Intent anniversary, submit proof of educational progress. You have several options:
- Portfolio review by a certified Florida teacher
- Nationally norm-referenced standardized test
- State assessment
- Psychological evaluation
- Another method you and the district agree upon
Choose what works for your family. Many homeschoolers rotate methods year to year.
4. Attendance Tracking
Here’s where Florida gets flexible: there’s no specific day or hour requirement for home education students.
Your child just needs to show regular educational progress through the annual evaluation. No counting seat time or logging 180 days like traditional schools.
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What You Don’t Need
Let’s clear up some misconceptions:
- No teaching certification
- No state-approved curriculum
- No standardized testing schedule (beyond the annual evaluation)
- No home visits or inspections
When You’re Done Homeschooling
Planning to return to public school, move counties, or your child is graduating? Submit a notice of termination within 30 days, along with your final annual evaluation.
For high school graduates, include a copy of the final assessment with your termination notice.
Florida’s requirements respect your role as educator while ensuring accountability. File your intent, keep records, evaluate annually, and you’re compliant.
The rest? That’s up to you.
Download Notice of Intent templates and find your district contact at the Florida Department of Education
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