Homeschooling in Florida? Here’s your plan.

Florida does not mandate specific subjects, hours, or curriculum for home education families. Fla. Stat. 1002.41 requires "sequentially progressive" instruction appropriate to your child's ability — which means you set the pace and direction. You keep a portfolio of work samples and a log of materials used, and each year you complete one of five evaluation options (such as a certified teacher review or a standardized test).

Your notice of intent is filed once when you begin and again only if you move to a different county or end the program. It is not an annual renewal. This makes Florida's notification process simpler than many moderate-regulation states.

Florida also offers substantial funding through the Personalized Education Program (PEP), which provides roughly $8,000 per student for approved educational expenses. The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA) covers $10,000 to $34,000 for students with disabilities. Both programs are voluntary — accepting funds does not change your curriculum freedom, though PEP requires an annual evaluation and sworn compliance statement.

Most families choose the Home Education Program under Florida Statute 1002.41, which offers the most flexibility. The Private Tutoring pathway requires a certified teacher and is less common. The umbrella/private school pathway classifies your child differently for benefits purposes — umbrella school students are not considered home education students and do not qualify for PEP or FES-UA.

Sports and extracurriculars. The Craig Dickinson Act (Fla. Stat. 1006.15), widely known as the "Tim Tebow law," guarantees homeschool students the right to try out for and participate in public school sports and extracurricular activities. Your child must meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students, including GPA and conduct standards.

High school and college. Parent-issued diplomas are accepted by Florida colleges. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) offers free online courses to all Florida residents, including homeschoolers, and can supplement your curriculum. Dual enrollment is available tuition-free at Florida public colleges and universities for eligible homeschool students.

Annual evaluation options. You have five choices: a certified teacher review, a standardized test, a state student assessment (FAST), an evaluation by a Florida-licensed psychologist, or any other method agreed upon with the superintendent. Most families choose the teacher review or standardized test.

IEP and special needs. IEP services from the public school end when you withdraw to homeschool. The FES-UA scholarship ($10,000–$34,000) is the primary funding source for private therapy and specialized services. It covers a wide range of providers and does not require you to return to public school.

Portfolio tips. Your portfolio must include a log of texts and materials and samples of work. You are not required to show it to anyone except your annual evaluator. Keep it organized by subject — this makes evaluation day much smoother. Retain your portfolio for two years after each evaluation.

Virtual school. Florida Virtual School is free, accredited, and flexible. Many homeschool families use individual FLVS courses to supplement their program, especially for subjects like foreign language or advanced math.