Are you considering homeschooling in Florida but unsure where to start? Whether you're exploring homeschooling for the first time or transitioning from traditional schooling, this guide will walk you through the legal requirements, funding options, different homeschooling styles, resources, extracurricular participation, college opportunities, and success stories.
Understanding Homeschooling in Florida
Florida offers flexible homeschooling laws that allow parents to educate their children in a way that best suits their family's needs. You can legally homeschool in Florida under one of three pathways:
Home Education Program (Traditional Homeschooling)
File a Notice of Intent with your county’s school superintendent.
Maintain a portfolio of records, including a reading log and samples of student work.
Provide an annual evaluation via a certified teacher review, standardized test, or another approved method.
Submit a Notice of Termination if you decide to stop homeschooling.
Private School Umbrella Programs
Enroll your child in a private school that supports homeschoolers.
The school manages record-keeping, testing, and transcripts, easing the administrative burden on parents.
Personalized Education Program (PEP)
A state-funded option that provides scholarships for educational expenses.
No need to register as a homeschooler with the district.
Annual reapplication and progress documentation are required.
For more details, visit the Florida Department of Education Homeschool Page.
South Florida Homeschool Laws & County-Specific Information
Each South Florida county has its own homeschooling guidelines. Below are key resources:
Broward County: Broward County Home Education
Palm Beach County: Palm Beach County Home Education
Miami-Dade County: Miami-Dade County Home Education
Funding Options for Florida Homeschoolers
Homeschooling in Florida can be supported financially through state-funded programs:
Personalized Education Program (PEP)
Covers: Private tutoring, digital learning tools, curriculum, educational services.
Eligibility: Open to all K-12 Florida residents (priority given to income-based families).
Administered by: Step Up for Students
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
Covers: Therapy, private school tuition, learning aids.
Eligibility: Available for students with unique abilities.
More Info: Step Up for Students
How to Transition from Traditional School to Homeschooling
1. Withdraw Your Child from School
Notify the school and submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool (if applicable).
Ask for any transcripts and records for future use.
2. Give Your Child a "Deschooling" Period
Deschooling is a transition phase that allows children to decompress from the rigid structure of traditional schooling.
Spend time exploring interests, visiting museums, and reintroducing the joy of learning.
3. Decide on a Homeschooling Style
Observe your child’s natural learning style and select a homeschool method that aligns with their interests.
Homeschooling Styles
Homeschooling is not one-size-fits-all. Here are some of the most common styles:
Unschooling – Child-led, interest-based learning. (Learn more)
Classical Conversations – Based on ancient education principles. (Learn more)
Charlotte Mason – Literature and nature-based. (Learn more)
Montessori – Hands-on, independent learning. (Learn more)
Waldorf – Arts and nature-focused. (Learn more)
Unit Studies – Thematic learning across subjects. (Learn more)
Hybrid Homeschooling – A mix of home and school learning. (Learn more)
Microschools – Small, personalized learning communities. (Learn more)
Worldschooling – Education through travel. (Learn more)
Wildschooling – Nature-based learning. (Learn more)
Homeschool Support Systems
You’re not alone! There are many support networks:
Homeschool Co-ops: Groups where families share teaching responsibilities.
Facebook Groups:
Conferences & Workshops: Events like the Florida Parent-Educators Association (FPEA) Convention.
Common Homeschooling Concerns & Myths Debunked
"My child won’t be socialized."
Homeschoolers engage in co-ops, sports, clubs, and community activities and often have stronger social skills than their peers.
"I’m not a teacher—I can’t do this!"
Many parents outsource teaching via online classes, tutors, and homeschool curricula.
"Will my child get into college?"
Yes! Homeschoolers thrive in higher education and have strong admission rates to top universities.
Florida Homeschool Extracurricular Participation
Thanks to Florida's "Tebow Law," homeschoolers can participate in:
Sports teams (via the Florida High School Athletic Association)
Music, theater, and clubs at local schools
More info: FHSAA Homeschool Eligibility
College Options for Homeschoolers
(Read our recent blog for a deeper dive into homeschooling and college)
Homeschoolers can:
Apply to any university with a transcript or portfolio.
Take the SAT/ACT or submit alternative documentation.
Enroll in Florida's Dual Enrollment Program and earn college credits.
Popular homeschool-friendly colleges:
University of Florida (UF)
Florida State University (FSU)
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Florida Institute of Technology (FIT)
Homeschool Success Stories
Many successful individuals were homeschooled:
Tim Tebow (NFL Quarterback)
Emma Watson (Actress & UN Ambassador)
Blake Griffin (NBA Player)
Serena & Venus Williams (Tennis Champions)
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This!
Homeschooling is a journey, not a race. With the right resources, support, and mindset, you can create an enriching, joyful learning experience for your child.
🚀 Ready to Start? Find local support groups, select your style, and take the first step toward educational freedom today!
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