How to Start Homeschooling in Florida: Notice, Records, and What Counts

Florida is one of the most parent-friendly states for homeschooling. The law is short, the requirements are clear, and the state mostly leaves you alone as long as you do three things: file a one-time notice when you start, keep a portfolio, and submit one annual evaluation.

Here's exactly what each of those means.

The law in one paragraph

Florida Statute 1002.41 lets parents establish a "home education program" by filing a written notice of intent with the local school district superintendent within 30 days of starting. From that point, the parent is responsible for maintaining a portfolio of the child's work and submitting an annual evaluation. The state does not approve curriculum, mandate hours, or send anyone to your home.

Step 1: File the notice of intent

Within 30 days of pulling your child out of school (or of your child's 6th birthday if they were never enrolled), send a written notice to the superintendent of the school district where you live. There's no state-wide form; most districts have their own template on their website. Search "[your county] notice of intent home education."

The notice must include:

• Your name, address, and signature
• The child's name, date of birth, and address
• The date you're establishing the home education program

That's all. No curriculum plan, no schedule, no philosophy statement. Send it certified or get a receipt — that letter is your proof you're legal.

Step 2: Maintain a portfolio

You must keep a portfolio of records and materials. The state defines this as a log of educational activities plus a sample of materials used and writings/worksheets/creative works produced. It does NOT have to be elaborate, but it does need to be real.

Two things must be in the portfolio:

1. A log of educational activities. A weekly journal or a planner that records what subjects were covered and what activities took place. Plain prose is fine. "Math: long division practice, 30 min. Reading: read aloud Chapter 4 of Charlotte's Web, 25 min. Science: tide-pool observation at Honeymoon Island."
2. Samples of work. A few writing samples per quarter, a math test or worksheet, a science project, an art piece. The state suggests "writings, worksheets, workbooks, and creative materials used or developed by the student."

You must keep the portfolio for two years. The superintendent can request to inspect it with 15 days' notice — this is rare, but it does happen, especially in larger districts.

A few digital photos of work pieces, a weekly log in a Google Doc, and a folder of writing samples is enough. Don't overbuild it; you're not creating a museum exhibit.

Step 3: Annual evaluation

Once a year, you must submit an evaluation of your child's progress to the superintendent. Florida gives you five options. Pick whichever fits your family:

1. A certified Florida teacher selected by the parent evaluates the child's progress in writing.
2. The child takes a nationally normed standardized achievement test administered by a certified teacher.
3. The child takes a state-student-assessment test used by the school district.
4. The child is evaluated by a licensed psychologist or school psychologist.

(The fifth option lets the parent and superintendent agree on a different method — this is uncommon.)

Most families use option 1 (the teacher evaluation). It's the lowest-stress option: you find a certified teacher who does evaluations as a side gig (many do — Google "homeschool evaluator [your county]"), they spend 30–60 minutes reviewing the portfolio and talking with the child, and they sign a one-page letter saying the child is making "commensurate" progress. Cost is typically $50–$150 per child per year.

The evaluation must be submitted to the superintendent within one year of the original notice of intent, and every year after on the same anniversary.

What you do NOT have to do in Florida

• Have a teaching certificate
• Submit curriculum for approval
• Track attendance hours for the state
• Have your home inspected
• Use any specific curriculum, philosophy, or method
• Take state assessments (unless you choose option 2 or 3 above)

What about high school / a diploma?

Home-educated students in Florida earn their diploma from their own home-education program — the parent issues it. There is no "state homeschool diploma." Most Florida universities and community colleges, including the State University System, explicitly accept home-education graduates and use SAT/ACT scores, an essay, and a parent-issued transcript for admission.

If your high schooler plans to attend a Florida community college, look into the dual enrollment program — homeschool students can take free college courses starting in 10th grade. This is one of the biggest practical perks of homeschooling in Florida.

Curriculum and daily rhythm

Florida law gives you total freedom in what you teach. Most families cover the same subjects schools do (math, English, science, social studies) plus areas they consider important — life skills, faith, trades, arts, second language. The portfolio captures whatever you actually do; you don't need to mimic public school.

If you want a structured year-long curriculum without building it yourself, Hearthslate's library covers core academics plus real-world life skills, and the records build themselves as your kid works through it — useful when portfolio review season rolls around. The whiteboard tutor demo gives you a feel for how lessons play out.

Costs

Notice of intent: $0. Portfolio: $0 (just your time). Annual evaluation: $50–$150. Curriculum: $300–$1,500 per child per year depending on approach.

The honest part

Florida's homeschool law is generous because parents have been organized about defending it for thirty years. Don't be the family that's sloppy with the portfolio — it's the one thing the law actually asks of you. Twenty minutes a week keeps you compliant and gives you a useful record when your child applies to college.

You're a private school now. Run it like one.