How to Home School Legally in Florida
Home schoolers in Florida have several options to choose from to legally teach your children at home. Below is a list and explanation of these options.
The Home Education Act of 1985
This is the most popular choice amongst the home educators in Florida. This statute was expressly written for the home schooling family.
To comply:
- If you as a parent hold a valid Florida Teaching Certificate. You only need to keep your certificate current.
OR
- As a parent without a teaching certificate, you must comply with the following:
- Send a letter of intent to the Superintendent of your county school districts. The letter should include the name, address and birth date of each child in your program. Include only the children who are at least age 6 by February 1st, and are less than 16 years of age. (for dual enrollment and extra curricula activities, Palm Beach County will continue to take evaluations on home schooled children 16 and older so they might be able to participate in these programs.) Letters must be filed within 30 days of establishing you home school.
- Maintain a portfolio, daily log and list of reading materials. These records must be retained for 2 years and have ready to make available for inspection by the Superintendent up receiving written request. You will have 15 days to prepare for this.
- File an annual evaluation through one of the following processes:
- Teacher's evaluation
- Nationally normed test given by a Florida Certified Teacher
- A psychologist evaluation
- Any valid agreed upon measurement tool between the parent and Superintendent
There always is the question about when to evaluate. Florida law is clear that you have one year from the date of your letter of intent to file your evaluation results. Many school districts will try to get you to file before the end of the school year. This only serves the school district and record keeping. Do not feel intimidated to comply. Know your rights and exercise them, quote the law.
Have questions, email us at homeschoolinginfl@webmail.bellsouth.net or call the Homeschooling Hotline at 561-493-3679
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