Homeschooling in Florida

Regulation: Low-Moderate

Annual registration required. Choose between four legal paths, each with different requirements.

Florida offers four legal homeschooling options. Each has different requirements for oversight, assessment, and record-keeping.

Traditional Home Education

How to start: File Notice of Intent (Letter of Intent) with county superintendent within 30 days of beginning homeschool. File termination notice within 30 days of ending.
Parent qualifications: None specified
Required subjects: None mandated by law. Parents choose curriculum freely.
Days / hours: None mandated
Testing: Annual evaluation required. Five options: (1) Portfolio review by FL certified teacher, (2) Standardized test administered by certified teacher, (3) Standardized test administered by school psychologist, (4) Evaluation by person of parent's choice, (5) State student assessment test. Must demonstrate progress commensurate with ability.
Progress reports: Yes
Dual enrollment: Homeschoolers eligible for dual enrollment at FL state colleges. Must meet college placement requirements.

Private Umbrella/Cover School

How to start: Parent enrolls child in a private school that serves homeschoolers. The school handles compliance.
Parent qualifications: None for parent
Required subjects: 180 days instruction. Attendance and immunization records required.
Days / hours: 180 days
Testing: No standardized testing or annual evaluation required under private school statute.
Progress reports: No
Dual enrollment: Same dual enrollment access as traditional homeschool.

PEP Scholarship (Personalized Education Program)

How to start: Register through Step Up For Students SFO. Must withdraw from district home education to accept PEP.
Parent qualifications: None specified
Required subjects: No mandated subjects. Parent creates Student Learning Plan (SLP).
Days / hours: None mandated
Testing: Students in grades 3-10 must take an approved standardized assessment annually. Results submitted through EMA platform.
Progress reports: Yes
Dual enrollment: Same dual enrollment access.

FES-UA Scholarship (Unique Abilities)

How to start: Register through Step Up For Students SFO. Must have qualifying diagnosis or IEP.
Parent qualifications: None specified
Required subjects: No mandated subjects. Education plan guided by student needs.
Days / hours: None mandated
Testing: May require evaluations depending on individual education plan. Requirements set by SFO.
Progress reports: Varies
Dual enrollment: Same access.

Option 1 — Home Education Program: The most common and independent path. File a notice with your county superintendent annually and provide an annual evaluation of your student's progress.

Option 2 — Private school enrollment: Enroll under a private school that serves homeschool families. The school handles regulatory requirements; you teach at home.

Option 3 — Virtual school: Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a free, public virtual school. Students can take individual courses or a full load. This is not independent homeschooling — the school sets curriculum and provides teachers.

Option 4 — Certified tutor: Employ a Florida-certified teacher to provide instruction. Less commonly used but a valid legal path.

Funding Available

Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-EO)

Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship provides education savings accounts for eligible students. Funds can be used for curriculum, tutoring, therapy, and other approved educational expenses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-01