Which Florida Homeschool Option Is Right for You?
Florida offers three main homeschooling pathways. Under all three options, parents retain full control over curriculum and teaching methods. What differs between them is the type of paperwork and oversight involved, and — for PEP only — rules about how scholarship funds may be spent.
1. PEP Scholarship (Personalized Education Program – ESA)
The PEP scholarship provides an Education Savings Account (ESA) funded through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship. Eligible students receive funds to pay for approved educational expenses such as curriculum, tutoring, online programs, and more.
Key Facts
- Award amounts vary by county and grade level, but average around $8,000. For the most current figures, see the official award charts published by Step Up For Students or your chosen Scholarship Funding Organization.
- Administered through state-approved Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs) such as Step Up For Students or AAA Scholarship Foundation.
- Parents retain full control over what is actually taught. The SFO’s role is limited to approving how scholarship funds are spent and collecting the yearly assessment results.
- Families must submit:
- A Student Learning Plan (SLP) — a customized plan parents develop annually that describes what the parent intends to teach and identifies the goods and services needed. The SLP does not dictate what a parent must teach.
- A yearly assessment, with two options to choose from:
- A norm-referenced test from the SFO’s approved list. Many of these tests (such as the IOWA, CAT, or PASS) can be administered at home by an approved proctor, and some allow retakes at the parent’s discretion. Specifics vary by test — check with your SFO.
- A Florida statewide assessment, arranged through your local school district and administered under the district’s standard testing conditions.
- A sworn compliance statement (a signed declaration that the family will follow program rules, signed within the parent portal).
Important Enrollment Note
PEP is a different legal pathway than district home education. If a home education student accepts PEP funds, parents must file a written notice of termination for the home education program with the district before the student is registered with the SFO under PEP. The parent is then homeschooling under the state umbrella as opposed to the district umbrella.
Enrollment Caps (Current Law)
- 20,000 students in 2023–24
- 60,000 students in 2024–25
- 100,000 students in 2025–26
- Per Florida Department of Education guidance, the cap on participation is scheduled to be removed in future years.
Because spots are limited each year while the cap is in effect, many families choose to apply as early as possible.
2. Umbrella School (Florida Private School Cover)
An umbrella school is a private school that allows students to learn primarily at home while the school maintains official records. These schools operate as private schools under Florida law and must be registered with the Florida Department of Education to provide a legal covering for homeschool-style learning.
What Umbrella Schools Typically Handle
- Attendance tracking
- School year dates and basic record-keeping
- Some compliance documentation
Parents choose the curriculum and oversee day-to-day learning. Umbrella schools are popular with families who prefer less district paperwork or who do not wish to participate in PEP but still want flexibility.
3. Traditional Home Education (Florida Statute 1002.41)
Under Florida’s home education statute, families register directly with their local school district and maintain full control over curriculum and teaching methods.
Basic Requirements
- Submit a written notice of intent to establish a home education program within 30 days of beginning the program.
- Maintain a portfolio of records and materials, including a log of educational activities and samples of student work. The portfolio must be preserved for two years.
- Complete an annual educational evaluation using one of five methods allowed by statute:
- Portfolio review and discussion with the student by a Florida-certified teacher;
- A nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher;
- A state student assessment test administered by a certified teacher under district-approved conditions;
- Evaluation by an individual holding a valid, active Florida psychologist license; or
- Any other valid measurement tool mutually agreed upon by the parent and the district school superintendent.
There is no state funding for traditional home education, but families can use any combination of free resources, textbooks, and Florida field trips.