Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Florida

Florida is one of the most homeschool-friendly states, with a straightforward Notice of Intent process and several scholarship programs that fund home education. Here is exactly what to do.

Last updated June 2026 · Fla. Stat. §1002.41

Notice required
Yes — within 30 days
Instructional days
180 (typical target)
Portfolio
Required · keep 2 yrs
Testing / evaluation
Annual evaluation

Florida homeschool requirements

  • Notice of Intent: File a written Notice of Intent to establish a home education program with your county school superintendent within 30 days of beginning, and renew annually.
  • Portfolio: Maintain a portfolio with a log of educational activities and samples of the student’s work. Keep it for 2 years; the superintendent may request a review.
  • Annual evaluation: Each year, submit an evaluation of the student’s progress — a portfolio review by a certified teacher, a nationally normed test, or another method agreed with the district.
  • Subjects: Florida does not mandate a specific subject list for home education, but families typically cover language arts, math, science, and social studies.
  • Recordkeeping: Keep your portfolio and evaluation records on file for at least 2 years.

Key dates & deadlines

Within 30 days of startingFile your Notice of Intent with the county superintendent.
AnnuallyRenew your Notice of Intent and submit your annual evaluation.
Before withdrawingIf leaving public school, file the Notice of Intent before or as you withdraw.

Getting started in Florida

  1. Send a written Notice of Intent to your county school superintendent within 30 days of starting.
  2. Start a portfolio: log instructional activities and save samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum and keep simple attendance/instruction records as you go.
  4. Arrange an annual evaluation (certified-teacher review or a nationally normed test).
  5. If eligible, apply for a Florida scholarship (FES-UA, FES-EO, or the Reading Scholarship) to fund curriculum and services.
  6. Renew your Notice of Intent each year and retain records for 2 years.

Scholarships & funding in Florida

Florida funds home education through several state scholarship programs. Approved purchases (curriculum, tutoring, therapies, and more) are reimbursed — with receipts and category rules — so good recordkeeping matters.

  • FES-UA (Unique Abilities) — An education savings account for students with documented disabilities; funds curriculum, therapies, and approved services.
  • FES-EO (Educational Options) — Income-based scholarship that can be used for home education expenses.
  • Reading Scholarship — Helps eligible students with reading deficiencies cover tutoring and materials.

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to follow a set number of school days in Florida?
Florida’s home education law requires regular and sequential instruction rather than a strict day count; many families track toward the standard 180-day school year. Confirm specifics with your county.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No. Florida has no teacher-certification requirement to homeschool your own children.
What does the annual evaluation involve?
You submit evidence of progress each year — most commonly a portfolio review by a Florida-certified teacher or results from a nationally normed standardized test.
Can homeschoolers get scholarship money in Florida?
Yes. Programs like FES-UA and FES-EO fund home education expenses; reimbursements require receipts and follow category rules, which is why tracking purchases carefully matters.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Florida instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines — and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change — verify current requirements with your Florida department of education or county superintendent.