Homeschooling in Florida: How To Homeschool While Following State Laws

by Rita Onyx

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.

There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.

Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in Florida. Know the Florida homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.

Quick Facts:

There are 3 ways to homeschool:

1. Homeschool statute
2. Private school umbrella program
3. Private tutor

Requirements:

• Children between 6-16 of age must be in school

• You must notify your local school district of your intentions to homeschool if you homeschool under the statute

• You DO NOT have to notify the local school district if you choose a private school umbrella program or with a private tutor

• There are NO teacher qualifications if you are the parent

• If you use a private tutor, they must be a certified teacher

• There are NO state mandated subjects

• There ARE required assessments or testing if you under the homeschool statute

• There are NO required assessments or testing if you homeschool with a private school umbrella program or private tutor

• There are NO immunization requirements

How to Homeschool Under the Homeschool Statute

• File a notice of intent to homeschool with the county superintendent within 30 days of starting your homeschool program

• Include names, addresses, birthdates of all the children in homeschool

• This can be done ONCE and DOES NOT need to be done every year

• Maintain a portfolio updated with a list of educational activities, reading materials and samples of workbooks, worksheets, and other materials created by the student

• Keep this portfolio for at least two years after it is finished because the superintendent of the local school district can ask to review it after giving 15 days written notice

• Have the student evaluated annually with these options:

1. A Florida-certified teacher selected by the parent can review the portfolio and speak with the student
2. Take a nationally standardized achievement test administered by a Florida-certified teacher
3. Take a state student assessment test used by the local school district and administered by a Florida-certified teacher at a location approved by the local school district
4. Be evaluated by a school psychologist or Florida licensed psychologist
5. Be “evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon”

How to Homeschool with a Private School Umbrella Program

• Enroll your child in a private school registered with the Florida Department of Education that accepts homeschooled students which are known as “umbrella” schools

• This private school oversee your homeschool program and not the local school district

• Comply with the policies and procedures of the private school of your choice in regard to homeschooled students

How to Homeschool with a Private Tutor

• The tutor must be a Florida-certified teacher

• The tutor must maintain records and make reports to the state and local school district in accordance with the Florida statutes 1003.23.

• The student must have at least 180 days of instruction

Helpful links:

https://www.flvs.net/homeschool

https://fpea.com/homeschooling

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/florida.html

Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education

• Florida Department of Education
  Turlington Building
  Suite 1514
  325 West Gaines Street
  Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
  Phone: 850-245-0505
  Fax: 850-245-9667
  Email: commissioner@fldoe.org
  Website: http://www.fldoe.org/

• U.S. Department of Education, Florida

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.