Everything You Need to
Homeschool in Florida
The complete guide to Florida homeschool laws, PEP scholarship funding by county, statewide associations, government agencies, regional co-ops, and step-by-step startup instructions — updated for 2025–26.
How to Legally Homeschool in Florida
Florida is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. No teaching certificate is required. Three distinct legal pathways exist — choose the one that fits your family.
Home Education Statute
The most flexible and popular path. Register with your county superintendent, maintain a portfolio, and complete an annual evaluation. No required curriculum — you design your child's entire education under Florida Statute §1002.41.
Most PopularUmbrella / Private School
Enroll your child in a registered Florida private "umbrella" school. The school manages compliance and record-keeping, giving you structure with flexibility. Requirements vary by umbrella school — review their policies carefully.
Private Tutor
Hire a Florida-certified teacher to provide instruction. The tutor handles all records and reporting and must hold a valid Florida teaching license for your child's grade. Requires 180 days of attendance per year.
Under the Home Education Statute (§1002.41)
Florida's most popular pathway. Follow these six steps to start legally and confidently.
File a Notice of Intent
Submit written notice to your county superintendent within 30 days of beginning. Include each child's full legal name, birthdate, and your address. File only once unless you move counties. Download a free template from FPEA or HSLDA.
Choose Your Curriculum
Florida mandates no required subjects or curriculum. You have total freedom to choose materials, methods, and schedule. Options include co-ops, Florida Virtual School (free), textbooks, or online platforms like Practicing Musician for music.
Keep a Portfolio
Maintain a contemporaneous log of educational activities, listing by title any reading materials used, plus samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials. Florida law does not require attendance records — only the portfolio and log.
Complete Annual Evaluation
Choose one of five methods: (1) standardized testing, (2) Florida-certified teacher portfolio review, (3) Florida state assessment, (4) licensed psychologist evaluation, or (5) another method mutually agreed upon with the district. Portfolio review by a certified teacher is the most popular choice.
Submit Evaluation Results
File your annual evaluation results with your district superintendent's office by the anniversary of your Notice of Intent. Keep a copy for your records. This is the only annual reporting requirement for home education families under §1002.41.
High School & Graduation
Parents issue their own diploma and create a transcript. A parent-issued diploma is accepted by Florida colleges and universities. A notarized homeschool affidavit supports college applications. Homeschoolers can qualify for Bright Futures scholarships by meeting test score and service requirements.
New Parent Checklist
Before you begin — make sure you've covered these essentials.
Florida Homeschool Associations
These organizations provide legal guidance, conventions, curriculum fairs, networking, and advocacy for Florida homeschool families across the state.
Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA)
Florida's largest statewide homeschool association. Hosts one of the nation's biggest annual conventions (Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee), regional events, a searchable county-by-county support group directory, legal advocacy, and a free 100+ page Guide to Homeschooling in Florida for members.
Florida Homeschool Association (FLHSA)
A modern, secular-inclusive statewide association serving diverse Florida homeschool families. Provides an online community portal, expert training, current law updates, and a welcoming environment for families of all backgrounds and approaches.
Home Education Foundation (HEF)
Focused on legislative advocacy to protect and expand homeschooling rights in Florida. Works directly with lawmakers and the Florida Department of Education to ensure favorable homeschool policy at the Capitol.
Florida Citizens Alliance (FLCA)
A 501(c)(3) civic organization that supports homeschool families through events and educational resources. Co-hosts the FPEA annual convention at Gaylord Palms — one of the nation's largest homeschool conventions.
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) — Florida
National organization with extensive Florida-specific legal resources, attorney-reviewed Notice of Intent and Termination letter templates, and attorney representation for member families. Essential for understanding your legal rights as a Florida homeschool parent.
State & Government Agencies
The official Florida government bodies directly involved in home education oversight, scholarship administration, and school choice programs.
FLDOE — Home Education Program
Primary state agency overseeing all home education programs. Provides official §1002.41 guidance, annual requirement details, and a directory of liaisons for all 67 Florida counties.
FLDOE Home EducationFLDOE — PEP Scholarship FAQs
Official state FAQ for the Personalized Education Program: eligibility, the legal difference between PEP and Home Education registration, testing requirements, and approved SFOs.
FLDOE PEP FAQsFlorida Legislature — Statute §1002.41
The actual text of Florida's Home Education statute — the legal foundation for all home education programs. Always read the current statute before making legal decisions.
Read FL Statute §1002.41Step Up For Students (SFO)
Primary nonprofit administering PEP and Family Empowerment Scholarships. Note: PEP is at capacity for new students for 2026–27 through Step Up — see AAA Scholarship Foundation for open capacity.
Step Up For StudentsAAA Scholarship Foundation (SFO)
Second state-approved SFO for PEP scholarships with confirmed open capacity for 2026–27. Application deadline: April 30, 2026. Apply here if denied or waitlisted by Step Up.
AAA Scholarship FoundationFlorida Virtual School (FLVS)
Free state-operated online courses for Florida homeschoolers. Earn official FLVS transcripts, access certified counselors, and pursue dual-enrollment credits that count toward Bright Futures.
Florida Virtual SchoolBright Futures Scholarship Program
Florida's merit college scholarship is open to homeschool graduates who meet qualifying test scores (SAT, ACT, or CLT), community service hours, and submit a notarized homeschool affidavit.
Bright Futures ProgramDistrict Superintendent Offices — All 67 Counties
Each county's superintendent's office accepts your Notice of Intent and annual evaluations. The FLDOE lists a designated home education liaison for every district.
Find Your District LiaisonPEP Scholarship & Funding Programs
Florida offers substantial financial support through state-funded education savings accounts. Award amounts vary by county and grade level — here is every program you should know.
Personalized Education Program (PEP)
Florida's flagship homeschool funding program (created 2023, HB 1). An Education Savings Account (ESA) for approved educational expenses. Open to all income levels; lower-income families receive priority. K–3 receives the highest amounts within each county. View the full 2025–26 county award table.
- Open to K–12 Florida residents not enrolled full-time in public or private school
- No income limit — lower income receives first funding priority
- Cap: 100,000 students 2025–26; 140,000 for 2026–27; cap removed in future years
- Funds usable for curriculum, tutoring, online programs, community college, music lessons
- Requires a Student Learning Plan (SLP) submitted annually to your SFO
- Requires annual norm-referenced standardized test, results submitted to SFO
- At capacity for new students at Step Up for 2026–27 — apply via AAA Scholarships
Family Empowerment Scholarship — Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
For students with qualifying disabilities or diagnoses. The highest-value Florida scholarship, providing a flexible ESA for educational services, therapies, specialized curriculum, and homeschooling resources.
- Ages 3 through grade 12 (or age 22, whichever comes first)
- Requires a specific qualifying diagnosis on the approved list
- Funds usable for therapies, tutoring, curriculum, private school tuition
- Applications for 2026–27 are open through Step Up for Students
Family Empowerment Scholarship — Educational Options (FES-EO)
Available to Florida K–12 students eligible for public school. Funds private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, online programs, and more. Priority for lower-income families.
- Open to all Florida K–12 public-school-eligible students
- Priority: household income ≤185% federal poverty level
- Funds usable for private school, curriculum, tutoring, online programs
- Administered by Step Up for Students
New Worlds Scholarship Accounts
Eliminated by Florida legislation effective July 1, 2025. No longer available for the 2025–26 school year or beyond. Contact Step Up for Students directly if you have questions about existing accounts.
- Previously served VPK through 5th grade public school students
- Focused on reading and math improvement
- No longer available — not accepting new applications
Hope Scholarship
For Florida K–12 students who have experienced bullying, threats, assault, or violence at school. Allows transfer to an approved private school or out-of-district public school with scholarship support.
- Requires a documented qualifying incident at a Florida public school
- Enables transfer to approved private school or out-of-district public school
- Scholarship is per household, not per individual student
- Administered by Step Up for Students
VELA Education Fund
A private foundation awarding microgrants to families, educators, and groups creating innovative, learner-centered programs. Actively supports Florida homeschool co-ops, microschools, and enrichment providers.
- Open to families, educators, and community organizations
- Supports co-ops, microschools, and innovative learning programs
- Competitive grant — requires application and proposal
- National program, Florida-active
Florida Homeschool Groups by Region
Florida has hundreds of local co-ops, support groups, and community organizations. Browse by region — and use the statewide directories to find even more near you.
FPEA Support Group Directory
FPEA's searchable, county-filterable directory of homeschool support groups across all of Florida — the most comprehensive starting point statewide.
Browse FPEA GroupsTheHomeschoolMom — Florida Directory
Comprehensive alphabetical public listing of statewide and local Florida homeschool organizations, co-ops, and support groups.
Browse FL DirectoryFlorida-Homeschooling.org
Statewide community for Florida homeschooling families of all backgrounds, religions, and teaching styles. Membership and shared resources.
Visit FL-Homeschooling.orgH.E.R.I. — Home Educators Resource Initiative
A volunteer network of nearly 800 families serving northeast Florida. Acts as a hub connecting smaller regional support groups across the NE region.
Find on HomeSchoolMomNorth Florida Homeschool Association (NFHA) — Gainesville
Established Gainesville-area support group with academic co-ops, field trips, and enrichment events for all grade levels.
Find on HomeSchoolMomTallahassee Homeschool Group
Inclusive, welcoming group in Florida's capital with regular activities and events for families from diverse backgrounds.
Find on HomeSchoolMomNassau County Home Educator Support Group (NCHE)
Christian homeschool support group serving Nassau County families representing several denominations and diverse backgrounds.
Find on FPEA GroupsWCHE — Willow Creek Homeschool Enrichment (Winter Springs)
Ministry of Willow Creek Church serving families across Central Florida with group classes and enrichment activities.
Find on FPEA GroupsSouth Lake Home Educators (SLHE)
Support group for families in South Lake County focused on community, shared resources, and educational experiences.
Find on FPEA GroupsActon Academy — Central Florida Locations
Learner-driven Socratic education from kindergarten through high school with an entrepreneurial focus. Multiple Central Florida campuses.
Find on FPEA GroupsBroward Homeschool Parent Support Group
Meets every 2nd Tuesday (August–May) providing South Florida families encouragement, resources, and community connection.
Find on HomeSchoolMomP.A.T.H. Inc. — Miami-Dade (Secular)
Parents' Association for Teaching at Home. A secular, nonprofit co-op and support group run by parent volunteers in Miami-Dade County.
Find on HomeSchoolMomARCH Angels of South Florida (Catholic)
Catholic homeschooling community serving Miami-Dade and Broward families — in its third decade, with 80+ programs for families of all ages.
Find on FPEA GroupsPACE of Miami Enrichment
Meets at Riverside Baptist Church (10775 SW 104th St, Miami) every Friday during the school year. Enrichment classes for homeschool students.
Find on HomeSchoolMomANCHOR — South Shore, Hillsborough County
Faith-based community for homeschooling families in the south shore area of Hillsborough County.
Find on FPEA GroupsFISH — Brandon (Christian Ministry)
Christian homeschool ministry in Brandon serving greater Tampa Bay families with fellowship and educational activities.
Find on FPEA GroupsWest Florida Home Education Support League (WFHESL)
Christ-centered volunteer organization with activities, events, and a monthly newsletter for the West Florida region.
Find on FPEA GroupsJMJ Tampa Bay (Catholic)
Catholic homeschooling community providing social and enrichment opportunities for Tampa Bay families.
Find on FPEA GroupsChipola Home Educators — Panhandle
Panhandle-area group enriching educational and social life through field trips, holiday events, and ongoing family support.
Find on FPEA GroupsTallahassee / Leon County Groups
Multiple groups operate in and around Tallahassee. Use the FPEA directory and TheHomeschoolMom for current active groups in the capital region.
Find on FPEA GroupsMore Resources for Florida Families
Legal defense, free online curriculum, annual evaluations, microschool networks, and more — everything else Florida homeschool families need.
HSLDA — Florida Legal Resources
Attorney-reviewed guidance on Florida homeschool law, free Notice of Intent and Termination letter templates, and legal representation for member families.
HSLDA FloridaFlorida Virtual School (FLVS Flex)
Free individual online courses for Florida homeschoolers. Earn official FLVS transcripts and access dual-enrollment credits that count toward Bright Futures eligibility.
Florida Virtual SchoolPracticing Musician — Free Online Music
Free, structured online music education with 3,500+ video lessons across 11 instruments. Ideal for fine arts credit, portfolio documentation, and homeschool band/orchestra prep statewide. PEP-eligible private lessons also available.
PracticingMusician.comFlorida Homeschool Evaluations
Florida requires an annual evaluation for home education students. Certified teacher portfolio reviews are the most popular option. PEP students also need an approved norm-referenced standardized test.
FL Homeschool Evaluation InfoFLHSA Membership Portal
The Florida Homeschool Association's member portal: advanced training, expert forums, and the most current Florida homeschool law updates for families of all backgrounds.
Florida Homeschool AssociationTheHomeschoolMom — Florida
The most comprehensive public directory of Florida homeschool organizations and co-ops — alphabetical by city, with statewide groups listed first.
Browse FL DirectoryBright Futures Scholarship
Florida's merit scholarship for college-bound graduates — open to homeschoolers who meet test scores and community service requirements. Requires a notarized homeschool affidavit and official transcript.
Bright Futures InfoPrimer Network — South Florida
Operates 16+ microschools across South Florida combining homeschool flexibility with a small community learning environment. Fewer than 15 students per location.
Primer NetworkVELA Education Fund
Microgrants of $2,500–$10,000 for individuals and groups creating innovative, learner-centered education programs in Florida and nationwide.
VELA Education FundTime4Learning — Florida Guide
Florida's homeschool laws guide alongside an online curriculum platform with portfolio tracking tools and transcript templates for high schoolers.
Time4Learning FL GuideFlorida Homeschool FAQ
The questions Florida homeschool families ask most — answered directly, with links to official sources.
Looking for free music education for your homeschooler?
Practicing Musician provides free, structured online music lessons across 11 instruments for Florida homeschool families of all ages — with built-in portfolio documentation for fine arts credit.
Start Free at PracticingMusician.com →Free forever · 3,500+ lessons · 11 instruments · K–adult · PEP-eligible private lessons available
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