Here are some quick answers to common questions asked about homeschooling in Florida.  You can read more about homeschooling in Florida in our articles section.

What is homeschooling, anyway?

According to the definition under Florida Statute 1002.01(1), a “home education program” means the sequentially progressive instruction of a student directed by his or her parent in order to satisfy the attendance requirements of ss. 1002.41, 1003.01(13), and 1003.21(1).  In a nut-shell, homeschooling is a parent-directed educational option that satisfies the compulsory attendance requirements defined in the Florida Statutes.

Who can homeschool?

Any parent who complies with the reporting, record keeping, and student evaluation requirements specified in ss. 1002.41 may conduct a home education program.

Do I need to be a certified teacher?

No. The parent is not required to be a certified teacher.

Am I allowed to homeschool children besides my own?

As stated above, any parent who complies with the requirements specified in ss. 1002.41 may conduct a home education program.  According to the definition under Florida Statute 1000.21(5) , a “Parent” is either or both parents of a student, any guardian of a student, any person in a parental relationship to a student, or any person exercising supervisory authority over a student in place of the parent.

What are Florida's school attendance requirements?

The compulsory school attendance laws apply to all children between the ages of 6 and 16 years.  More specifically, Florida Statute 1003.21 (1) states that all children who have attained the age of 6 years or who will have attained the age of 6 years by February 1 of any school year or who are older than 6 years of age but who have not attained the age of 16 years are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term. Children who will have attained the age of 5 years on or before September 1 of the school year are eligible for admission to public kindergartens during that school year.

What about homeschooling Kindergarten?

Kindergarten is not required, nor are districts required to accept a letter of intent to homeschool a kindergartener, but most districts will. Since public schools require Kindergarten, if you are not certain whether you will be homeschooling your child for first grade, you may  want to try to register your child with your district  for kindergarten, or enroll your child in a private/umbrella school.  If you do not, it's possible that your district school may require your child to repeat kindergarten, or they may want your child to be evaluated to make sure that he or she has satisfactorily completed the requirements for kindergarten.

Are there any specific daily or hourly attendance requirements?

No. Children enrolled in public and private schools must regularly attend school for 180 days of each school year, but there are no daily or hourly attendance requirements for students in a home education program.

How do I provide "sequentially progressive instruction?"

There are several ways to direct a home education program. You may instruct your child yourself, enroll your child in a virtual school program, enroll your child in courses part time in a public or private school, hire a private tutor, enroll your child in correspondence courses, or any other means that provides “sequentially progressive instruction” directed by you. See also Florida Home Education Options.

Will my child have to take the FCAT?

No, your child does not have to take the FCAT, but some parents choose to have their child take the FCAT to comply with the annual evaluation requirement.

Do school districts provide instructional materials?

Not usually.  There is no requirement for districts to provide instructional materials to home education students.

May my child participate in local district courses?  How about summer school?

Some district schools have a part-time enrollment policy and will allow homeschoolers to enroll in certain courses or attend summer school, but schools are not required to.

Will my child be able to participate in "interscholastic extracurricular activities" offered at public schools?

Yes. Florida Statute 1006.15 requires that homeschooled students be given the same opportunity to participate in "inter-scholastic extracurricular activities" as public school students and prohibits any requirements that would make participation less accessible for homeschooled students.

Will my child be able to take courses from Florida Virtual School?

Yes. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a public on-line school providing tuition-free middle and high school courses to Florida students. To enroll your child in courses at FLVS as a homeschooler, you must provide FLVS with verification from your district that your child is registered in a home education program. See also Taking Courses at Florida Virtual School.

Will my child be able to take dual enrollment courses?

Yes. Your child may take dual enrollment courses on a postsecondary campus or at your district high school if your district has a part-time enrollment policy.  For more information see ss. 1007.271.

Will my child get a diploma?

No. However, your child may take the General Educational Development (GED) test at an education center and be awarded a Florida GED diploma if your child receives a passing score.