Homeschooling in
the State of Florida

The state of Florida has quite an unusual setup for students who choose to homeschool. Quite different from most states, Florida gives three options to parents or legal guardians in conducting homeschooling. However, the one standard that is universal amongst two of the options and all students who are in public or private schools is, “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.” Florida Statutes Annotated § 1003.21. In addition all students in these categories are required to attend at least 180 days of school.

The three ways to attempt to take on homeschooling range in style and requirements.

As for the first option, which is one of the more standard options, there are three requirements:
• Notify the county superintendent in writing within 30 days of establishing the home education program, but does not have to be filled out annually.
• The names, addresses, and birth dates of the homeschool students are to be documented and given to the superintendent.
• Maintain a portfolio of records and materials consisting of a log of educational activities made contemporaneously with the instruction and designating by title any reading materials used and samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student. The portfolio must be preserved for two years and made available for inspection by the superintendent upon 15 days’ written notice, but the school district has no authority to enter the home.

As for the second option, it discusses how to implement religion into the homeschooling system as well.
• A home school can also act as a private school, in which affiliation with private, parochial, religious, or denominational elements of homeschooling are exempt from compulsory attendance.
• They must however teach all of the required forms of subjects such as mathematics, reading, science, etc.

The final and third option elaborates upon the basis of a private tutor for homeschooling, and a individual may teach a student if he meets the following three requirements:
• Holds a valid Florida certificate to teach the subjects or grades in which instruction is given;
• Keeps all records and makes all reports required by the state and district school board; and
• Requires students to be in actual attendance for 180 days

The three option system is a great way to ensure that all individuals have the capability of providing homeschooling to their children by altering and tailoring specific qualities that may be helpful to a multitude of different backgrounds. As for the first two options, as long as you are a legal parent or guardian, you do not need to have any teaching credentials.




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