1. The notice of intent
Within 30 days of establishing your home education program, submit a written notice of intent to the superintendent of your county school district. The notice must include each child's name, address, and date of birth, and be signed by the parent or legal guardian.
Unlike Pennsylvania, the FL notice does not need to be notarized, and there is no annual re-filing — you file once when you start, and only file again to terminate or move counties.
2. Curriculum & subjects
F.S. 1002.41 does not mandate specific subjects, days, or hours. The statute requires only that the program provide "sequentially progressive instruction directed by the parent." Most Florida families cover language arts, math, science, and social studies, but curriculum design is left to the parent.
3. The portfolio
Maintain a portfolio of records and materials for each student, containing:
- A log of educational activities (titles of reading materials used)
- A sample of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student
Retain the portfolio for at least 2 years. The superintendent may inspect it on 15 days' written notice.
4. The annual evaluation
Once a year — within one year of your notice of intent, and then within one year of each prior evaluation — submit one of these five evaluation options to your county superintendent:
1. Florida-certified teacher review
A teacher certified by the Florida Department of Education selected by the parent reviews the portfolio and discusses progress with the student. The teacher writes an evaluation report.
2. Nationally normed standardized test
Student takes a nationally normed achievement test administered by a certified teacher (e.g., Stanford, Iowa, CAT, TerraNova).
3. State student assessment test
Student takes the Florida statewide assessment used by the school district.
4. Evaluation by a licensed psychologist
A licensed psychologist evaluates the student using any state-approved evaluation tool.
5. Mutually agreed-upon alternative
Any other valid measurement tool mutually agreed upon by the parent and the district superintendent.
5. Key dates
File Notice of Intent
Submit a written notice of intent to your county school district superintendent within 30 days of establishing your home education program. Include each child's name, address, date of birth, and the parent's signature.
F.S. 1002.41(1)(a)
Annual Evaluation
An annual educational evaluation must be completed within one year of the previous evaluation (or one year of the original notice for first-year families). Choose one of five evaluation methods.
F.S. 1002.41(1)(c)
Maintain Portfolio (2-year retention)
Keep a portfolio of records and materials — a log of educational activities and a sample of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student. Retain for at least two years. Make available to the superintendent on 15 days' written notice.
F.S. 1002.41(1)(b)
Notice of Termination
If you discontinue the home education program, submit a written notice of termination to your county superintendent within 30 days. Also required when enrolling the child in a public, private, or charter school.
F.S. 1002.41(1)(e)
6. Your county matters
The statute is statewide, but procedures vary by county: some districts accept emailed notices, others require certified mail; evaluation submission methods vary. Pennsole tracks the home-education office contact for all 67 Florida counties so you file the right way, the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to file a notice of intent to homeschool in Florida?
Yes. Under F.S. 1002.41, the parent must submit a written notice of intent to the county school district superintendent within 30 days of establishing the home education program. The notice includes each child's name, address, date of birth, and the parent's signature.
How many days or hours does Florida require?
Florida does NOT specify a minimum number of instructional days or hours for home education. The statute requires only that the program provide 'sequentially progressive instruction directed by the parent.' Most evaluators look for consistent year-round progress rather than a day count.
What subjects must a Florida homeschool cover?
F.S. 1002.41 does not enumerate required subjects. The parent directs the curriculum. Most families cover language arts, math, science, and social studies, but the law leaves curriculum design to the parent.
Who can evaluate a Florida homeschooled student?
A Florida-certified teacher selected by the parent, a licensed psychologist, a nationally normed standardized test administered by a certified teacher, the state student assessment, or any other valid measurement mutually agreed upon by the parent and superintendent.
When is the annual evaluation due?
Within one year of the date you filed your original notice of intent, and then within one year of each subsequent evaluation. Submit the evaluation result to the county superintendent.
What goes in a Florida homeschool portfolio?
A log of educational activities (titles of reading materials used), plus a sample of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student. Retain the portfolio for at least 2 years and make it available to the superintendent on 15 days' written notice.
Are Florida homeschoolers eligible for Bright Futures and dual enrollment?
Yes. Homeschool students are eligible for Florida's Bright Futures scholarships (requires parent-issued transcript, GPA documentation, and SAT/ACT scores) and free dual enrollment at Florida state colleges and universities.
What's the difference between a 1002.41 home education program and a 1002.42 private school umbrella?
F.S. 1002.41 is the standard home education program filed with the county superintendent. F.S. 1002.42 covers private schools, and some families enroll in an umbrella school registered as a private school instead — this exempts them from filing a notice of intent and from county-level evaluation requirements, but adds umbrella-school requirements instead.