Are you wondering how to homeschool in the state of Florida? Did you know that home education in Florida has been legal since 1985? Below are some valuable resources to get you started on your homeschool journey. 

The Florida Homeschool Law does not require you to meet any specific qualifications in order to homeschool.

The Florida Homeschool Law does not require your child to study a specific amount of days/year or hours/day.

The Florida Homeschool Law does not require your child to study a specific list of educational subjects.

Florida Department of Education

According to the Florida Department of Education, Florida Laws protecting home education became effective in 1985. Be sure to visit their website to get in touch with a home education contact who works with homeschooling families regarding home education programs in your county. Also, check out their School Choice Resources for Parents. 

• Choosing to begin a Home Education Program
• Summary of Home Education Program requirements
• Home Education FAQs (PDF)
• Home Education and Bright Futures
• Home Education and ESE Services FAQs (PDF)
• Home Education and Dual Enrollment FAQs (PDF)
• Private School and Home Education Transfer of Credits FAQs (PDF)

Homeschool Legal Defense Association

Check out Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)  to find out how to comply with Florida's Homeschool Laws. There are three options under which you can legally homeschool in Florida. Homeschooling under the homeschool statute, homeschooling under a private school “umbrella” program, or homeschooling with a private tutor. Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is the nation’s largest, most trusted homeschool advocacy organization. While not required, but encouraged, becoming a member of HSLDA gets you personalized guidance and legal protection for your homeschool.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

To make sure you know what is required and expected of your homeschool in Palm Beach County check out Home Education in Palm Beach County.  According to Palm Beach County School District Website:

A student must be of school age to be enrolled in Home Education as specified in section 1003.21, Florida Statutes (F.S.). The law requires the custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) of home education students to:

• Submit a Notice of Intent (click for easy electronic form) to establish a home education program (section 1002.41 (1) (a), F.S.)
  • Spanish Version
• Maintain a portfolio containing work samples, reading list (title, author) and a log of educational activities
• Provide an Annual Evaluation (Creole, Spanish,Portuguese); see Statutes and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
• Submit the evaluation results to the Home Education Office annually, no later than your anniversary date. Refer to the letter mailed to you when you registered for the anniversary date. If your child has completed a variety of courses through FLVS and/or another accredited program, print out a grade report (showing the school's letterhead) and submit this as an annual evaluation. You may mail, fax, or email the information to our office (homeed@palmbeachschools.org). Fill out the top portion of the evaluation form to reconfirm address and contact information.
• Preserve each student's portfolio for two years and make it available for inspection by the Superintendent's designee, with a 15-day written notice (section 1002.41 (2), F.S.)
• Submit a Notice of Termination (click for easy electronic form) to conclude the home education program (section 1002.41 (1) (a), F.S.)

Documents

• Notice of Intent Form
• Annual Evaluation Form
• Notice of Termination Form