Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Florida
What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in Florida, and how to reach the services that remain available.
What happens to your child's services
When you withdraw to home education in Florida, your child's IEP ends. Florida law does not treat home education as a private school, so IDEA equitable services do not apply. A district may provide exceptional student education-related services if your child enrolls in a public school only for those services (Fla. Stat. 1002.41(10)), and home education students can use testing and evaluation at diagnostic and resource centers (Fla. Stat. 1002.41(9)).
Primary source: Fla. Stat. 1002.01 (private school definition), 1002.41(1), (9), (10); 34 CFR 300.111
How to access services while homeschooling
Public school enrollment for related services
A school district may provide exceptional student education-related services to an eligible home education student with a disability who enrolls in a public school solely to receive those services. The law allows this but does not require it, and it applies to home education program students, not private tutoring students.
How to request: Enroll your child in a public school solely to receive the related services.
Child Find evaluation
All children with disabilities residing in the state must be identified, located and evaluated. Florida also makes testing and evaluation services at diagnostic and resource centers available to home education students, including students with disabilities.
How to request: Request an evaluation from your local school district's exceptional student education (ESE) office.
Fla. Stat. 1002.41(9); 34 CFR 300.111
Equitable services (IDEA proportionate share)
Not available to home education students. Florida law excludes home education programs from the definition of a private school, so home education students are not private school students for IDEA equitable services. A child enrolled in a Florida private school is a private school student.
Before you withdraw
- 1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
- 2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional.
- 3
File your homeschool notice as your state requires. Our wizard prepares it for you.
- 4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.
Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need them if you re-enroll.
Special education help
COPAA
copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you
Wrightslaw
wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia
Education savings available
Florida offers 2 education savings programs. See eligibility and amounts
Common questions
What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Florida?
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Florida?
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Start the Florida wizardRequirements sourced from Fla. Stat. 1002.41. Last reviewed October 2026