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Florida

Moderate

Homeschool legal: ✅ Yes ·Last verified: 2026-03 ·State code: FL

Overview

Instruction days
180 days per year
Legal status
Homeschooling is legal in this state
Regulatory body
Florida Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Home Education Program) / Private School (Umbrella pathway)
Official website
https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/other-school-choice-options/homeschool/

Notice Requirements

Notice required
Yes — notice must be filed
Deadline
Within 30 days of beginning to home educate; one-time notice to local superintendent (no annual renewal required under HEP pathway)
Frequency
One-time only — file once when you begin
Reporting
Required (annually)

Assessment Requirements

Assessment required
Yes
Accepted methods
  • Home Education Program (Option 1): annual evaluation — choose one: (a) nationally normed standardized achievement test administered by a certified teacher; (b) evaluation by a Florida-certified teacher based on portfolio review; (c) Florida state assessment administered at an approved site; (d) evaluation by a licensed psychologist; (e) another valid assessment tool agreed upon by parent and superintendent
  • Umbrella/Private School (Option 2): no external assessment or portfolio required — school sets its own policies
  • Private Tutor (Option 3): no separate assessment required

Curriculum & Qualifications

Required subjects
No specific subjects mandated
Teacher qualifications
No specific teaching credentials required
Portfolio
Portfolio must be maintained and may be reviewed

Additional Notes

Florida is often considered one of the more homeschool-friendly states despite some paperwork requirements. The Home Education Program (Option 1) is the most used pathway: one-time notice, portfolio maintained (not submitted unless requested), and annual evaluation. No subjects or instructional hours are mandated under Option 1. The umbrella/private school option removes even those requirements. The Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA at fpea.com) is the leading advocacy and support organization.

Tips for Homeschooling in Florida

  1. 1

    File your notice on time: "Within 30 days of beginning to home educate; one-time notice to local superintendent (no annual renewal required under HEP pathway)". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

  2. 2

    Choose your assessment method early. Options include: Home Education Program (Option 1): annual evaluation — choose one: (a) nationally normed standardized achievement test administered by a certified teacher; (b) evaluation by a Florida-certified teacher based on portfolio review; (c) Florida state assessment administered at an approved site; (d) evaluation by a licensed psychologist; (e) another valid assessment tool agreed upon by parent and superintendent, Umbrella/Private School (Option 2): no external assessment or portfolio required — school sets its own policies. Many families find portfolio reviews the least stressful.

  3. 3

    Join a local Florida homeschool co-op or support group. Peer connections help with curriculum sharing, field trips, and social opportunities for your learner.

Open Florida Checklist →

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with Florida Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Home Education Program) / Private School (Umbrella pathway) or a qualified education attorney.