FLORIDA HOMESCHOOL LAW

Compulsory School Age: 6 - 16 (by February 1)

Florida state law offers two legal homeschooling options: 1) establish and operate a homeschool or 2) qualify and operate as part of a private school corporation.

1. The first legal homeschool option in Florida is to establish and operate a homeschool.  Under this option, a notice of intent must be filed with the local school superintendent within 30 days of the start of homeschooling.  A portfolio containing records and samples of the child's work is to be kept and maintained.  This portfolio may be viewed by the school superintendent within 15 days of written request.  Annual testing is required and may take the form of any of the following:

   1. Standardized test or state student assessment test administered by a certified teacher

   2. Evaluation by a certified teacher

   3. Evaluation by a licensed psychologist

   4. Evaluation by means of another valid tool mutually agreed upon

   There are no requirements regarding attendance, subjects, or parent/teacher qualifications.

2. The second option is to qualify and operate as a part of a private school corporation.  Attendance is required for 180 days per year.  No requirements are specified concerning subjects to be taught, parent/teacher qualifications, school board notification, recordkeeping, or testing.

Find a homeschool group in Florida.

View these websites for more information about Florida homeschool laws:

• Home School Legal Defense Association

• National Home Education Network

• Florida Education Code for Homeschooling

• Florida Department of Education

Please note: This is a brief summary of Florida homeschool law and is presented for informative purposes only and not as legal advice.