Hours / Days
No specific requirement
State Code
FL
Subjects
0 required
Filing Requirements
Notice of Intent
One-time filing before starting homeschoolFile NOI with the Florida Department of Education once. This does not need to be renewed annually.
How to Comply with Florida's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in Florida
Legal Classification
Home Education Program
Compulsory Education Ages
6-16
Available Legal Pathways
Home Education Program
Most popular option. Register with your school district superintendent. Maintain a portfolio, submit annual evaluations, but no mandated subjects or hour requirements.
Florida Virtual School or Charter School
Enroll in a public virtual school or online charter program. Provides structure and oversight but less autonomy than home education program.
Private School
Enroll in a private school, including private school home-study programs. Different requirements than home education program.
Steps to Get Started
File a Notice of Intent
Send a written notice to your local school district superintendent establishing your home education program. This notice must be sent within 30 days of beginning homeschooling (not annually—just once). The notice must include your child's name, address, birth date, and your signature.
- Contact your superintendent's office for the notice form
- Complete the form with required information
- Submit by mail, in person, or electronically if available
- Ask for written confirmation of receipt
This is a one-time filing, not annual—once you file, you don't need to file again unless you stop and restart.
Establish Your Portfolio
Begin maintaining a portfolio containing at least two years of your child's educational materials and evidence of learning. This portfolio doesn't need to be submitted unless the superintendent requests it, but you must have it available.
- Include samples of your child's work from different subject areas
- Save projects, essays, artwork, and learning evidence
- Organize materials in a way that's easy to review
- Use a binder, digital folder, or filing system that works for you
The portfolio is your documentation that education is happening—keep it thorough and well-organized.
Submit Annual Evaluations
At the end of each school year, submit a written evaluation showing your child's academic progress. This evaluation can be from a teacher, certified evaluator, or a self-evaluation if you're the parent/teacher.
- Evaluations can be standardized test results, progress reports, or written assessments
- Include evaluation showing progress in primary subject areas
- Submit to your superintendent by the end of the school year
Many homeschoolers use standardized tests (like the SAT or ACT), portfolio assessment, or evaluations from hired tutors.
Design Your Educational Program
Florida has no mandated subjects or curriculum requirements for home education programs. You have complete freedom to choose your curriculum, subjects, and teaching approach. This flexibility allows you to create an education that fits your child perfectly.
- Select any curriculum materials and teaching methods
- Decide which subjects to include and how to teach them
- Choose traditional, classical, unschooling, or any other approach
- Integrate subjects through projects, unit studies, or teach separately
Florida's lack of curriculum mandates gives you exceptional freedom in designing your child's education.
Maintain Attendance Records
Keep records showing the days instruction was provided. While you don't submit these records to the district, they document that your homeschool is active and operating.
- Track school days on a calendar or spreadsheet
- Note the subjects or learning activities if possible
- Keep records organized and accessible
File Termination Notice if Needed
If you stop homeschooling and enroll your child in public or private school, notify your superintendent in writing. This clarifies your child's status and prevents any confusion.
Notification helps your school district keep accurate records and avoid truancy concerns.
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in public school, send your notice of intent to the superintendent and begin homeschooling. No formal withdrawal process is needed. If you later return to public school, contact the school's enrollment office.
Public School Access
Florida homeschoolers may participate in some public school activities and sports depending on district policy. Contact your athletic director or superintendent's office to learn about eligibility for extracurricular participation.
Special Education
Florida allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child has an IEP or has been evaluated for special education, coordinate with your district regarding any services you want to maintain.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Use a calendar or spreadsheet to track school days and attendance
- Create a portfolio binder or digital folder with at least two years of work samples
- Save receipts and invoices for curriculum and educational materials purchased
- Collect test results, progress reports, and evaluation documents
- Document field trips, classes, and enrichment activities attended
Assessment Requirements
Assessment required only under the homeschool statute option (Option 1): annual evaluation due on the anniversary date of Notice of Intent. Can be fulfilled by standardized test, portfolio review, or certified educator evaluation. Other options (virtual school, private tutor) have different requirements.
Record Keeping
Maintain records of assessment results and educational activities.
Key Facts About Florida
One-time Notice of Intent (not annual)
Annual assessment required but with flexible options
No mandated curriculum or specific subjects
Assessment can be test, portfolio, or educator evaluation
Ages 6-16 must receive instruction
“Every family's homeschool journey in Florida is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent every year in Florida?
No. You file the Notice of Intent one time before starting homeschooling. You do not renew it annually.
What are my assessment options in Florida?
You have three options: administer a standardized test, conduct a portfolio review, or have your child evaluated by a certified educator. You choose which method works best for your family.
Are there required subjects in Florida?
No. Florida does not mandate specific subjects for homeschoolers under the homeschool statute. You have curriculum freedom.
What if I do not have a certified educator for evaluation?
You can use standardized testing or portfolio review instead. You have flexibility in how you demonstrate your child's progress.
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