What has to be in a Florida homeschool portfolio?

A log of educational activities made as you go (including titles of reading materials used) and samples of the student’s work. The portfolio must be kept for two years and is only shown if requested with 15 days’ written notice.

What are the annual evaluation options for Florida home education?

You submit one annual evaluation to the superintendent using one of the five options in statute, such as a Florida-certified teacher review of the portfolio, a nationally normed test administered by a certified teacher, a district/state assessment under district-approved conditions, an evaluation by a licensed psychologist or school psychologist (per 490.003), or another mutually agreed measurement tool.

How to Start Homeschooling in Florida (5 Steps) + Legal Requirements

How to Start Homeschooling in Florida: 5 Quick Steps (Law + Best Practices)

Q: Do I have to be a certified teacher to homeschool in Florida?

No. Florida home education does not require the parent to be a certified teacher. Parents file a notice of intent, keep a portfolio, and submit an annual evaluation.

Q: What do I have to file to start homeschooling in Florida?

You file a written, signed notice of intent with your district school superintendent that includes each child’s full legal name, address, and birthdate, within 30 days of starting.

This guide breaks down the Florida homeschool legal requirements (what you must do by law) and the best practices that make homeschooling run smoother day-to-day.

1) Pick your legal path + note your “start date”

Required by lawBasics

Florida compulsory attendance generally applies if your child is 6 (or turns 6 by Feb 1 of the school year) up to age 16.
A Florida Home Education Program is parent-directed “sequentially progressive instruction” that satisfies attendance law.

Best practiceChoose your route

Decide if you’re doing Home Education (1002.41) vs an umbrella private school vs a scholarship route like PEP/FES (if relevant to you).
Home Education is the cleanest “straight statute” option for many families because it’s a simple, defined process.

2) Send your Notice (Letter) of Intent to your district

Required by lawWhat to file

Send a written, signed notice to your district superintendent including each child’s full legal name, address, and birthdate.
File it within 30 days of starting.
The district must register you on receipt and generally can’t require extra information unless you opt into a district program/service.

Best practiceProtect yourself

Submit ASAP (especially if withdrawing from a school) and keep proof you sent it (email receipt, certified mail, etc.).

3) Set up a simple portfolio system (don’t overthink it)

Required by lawPortfolio contents

A log of educational activities kept as you go + titles of reading materials used
Samples of work (writings/worksheets/workbooks/creative materials)
Keep the portfolio for 2 years
Provide it for inspection only if requested with 15 days’ written notice

Best practiceEasy setup

Use one binder or one Google Drive folder per child.
Monthly log (1 page) + 10–20 work samples per subject over the year + a running reading list.

4) Put your annual evaluation on the calendar now

Required by lawChoose one evaluation option

Florida-certified teacher review of portfolio + discussion
Nationally normed achievement test administered by a certified teacher
District/state assessment administered by a certified teacher under district-approved conditions
Evaluation by an individual holding a valid, active license pursuant to s. 490.003(7) or (8) (licensed psychologist or school psychologist)
Another tool agreed upon by you + superintendent

Best practiceMake it painless

Many families choose the Florida-certified teacher portfolio review because it’s straightforward and low-stress.
Set a reminder for 1 year from when you filed your notice of intent (many families follow the “anniversary” approach).

5) Build your “best practice” homeschool plan (the stuff that makes it work)

Not required by lawBut strongly recommended

Pick 3–5 core goals for the year (reading, writing, math, science/social studies exposure).
Choose curriculum that matches your kid’s learning style (structured vs flexible).
Create a weekly rhythm (even a simple one).
Join a co-op / classes / field trips so it doesn’t get isolating.

Good to knowFlorida is flexible

You don’t need to be a certified teacher.
Florida home education doesn’t require you to follow a specific “school day” structure.
Districts can’t pile on extra regulation beyond the statute unless you opt into district programs/services.

Bonus: When you stop homeschooling (or move back to school)

You must submit a notice of termination and your annual evaluation within 30 days of termination.

FAQ

Do I have to be a certified teacher to homeschool in Florida?

No. Florida home education does not require parents to be certified teachers. Families file a notice of intent, keep a portfolio, and submit an annual evaluation.

What do I have to file to start homeschooling in Florida?

A written, signed notice of intent to your district school superintendent that includes each child’s full legal name, address, and birthdate, filed within 30 days of starting.

What has to be in the portfolio?

A contemporaneous log of educational activities (including reading titles) and samples of student work. Keep it for two years and only provide it if requested with 15 days’ written notice.

What are the annual evaluation options?

You submit one annual evaluation using one of the five options in statute (teacher review, normed test, district/state assessment, licensed psychologist/school psychologist per 490.003, or another mutually agreed tool).

Official sources (links)

If you’d like to learn more about homeschooling through Florida’s Personalized Education Program (PEP) with Step Up For Students check out our breakdown through our PEP GUIDE!