GET LEGAL!

The first step as a brand-new homeschooler is to get legal.
Homeschooling is fully legal in the state of Florida, and families have three lawful pathways to educate their child at home.

THREE WAYS TO HOMESCHOOL IN FLORIDA (2024–2025)

➊ Register with Your County School Board (Home Education Program / “HEP”)

This is the traditional “home education” pathway under Florida Statute 1002.41.

NOTICE OF INTENT

You must submit a Notice of Intent to Home Educate to the Home Education Office in your county within 30 days of beginning your homeschool program.

• You can submit by email, fax, mail, or in person.

• Volusia County Residents: Click here for the Volusia Notice of Intent.

After processing, the county will send you a Confirmation Letter. Keep this for your records.

ANNUAL EVALUATION (Required)

Each year, on or before the anniversary date of your Notice of Intent, each student must receive an evaluation. Parents may choose:

• A Florida-certified teacher evaluation

• A nationally norm-referenced test

• A state assessment

• A psychologist evaluation

• Or portfolio review using state-approved methods

Most families choose a homeschool evaluator.

➋ Register with a Private Umbrella School (Non-Traditional Private School)

This option is protected under Florida Statute 1002.42.

Umbrella schools are private schools that allow families to educate at home while the school handles student enrollment and reporting.

Key Notes:

• No Notice of Intent is sent to the county.

• No annual evaluation is required.

• Each umbrella school sets its own policies, pricing, and documentation.

• Families may live anywhere in Florida and register with any Florida umbrella school.

• Dual Enrollment: Students who want dual enrollment at many state colleges (ex: Daytona State College) must be registered with the county Home Education Program, not an umbrella school.

Umbrella schools are great for families who want less reporting and more administrative support.

➌ NEW: Apply as a PEP Student (Personalized Education Program Scholarship)

PEP allows families to homeschool using an education savings account (ESA) through Step Up For Students.

This is NEW and important: many families now choose PEP + Homeschool.

ABOUT PEP

• Administered through Step Up For Students.

• Provides yearly funds for eligible families to customize their child’s education.

• Families remain private, parent-directed learners, NOT public school students.

• Funds can be used for curriculum, tutoring, classes, extracurriculars, online programs, and more.

PEP REQUIREMENTS

• Apply through the EMA portal on Step Up For Students.

• Submit a Student Learning Plan (SLP) each year.

• Students must complete an annual nationally norm-referenced test (or approved alternative).

• Families must follow PEP spending rules for curriculum and services.

PEP + COUNTY?

If you apply for PEP, you do NOT submit a Notice of Intent.
PEP is considered its own legal category.
(If a family leaves PEP, they must then register either with the county or an umbrella school.)

KEEP RECORDS (Required for County Home Education Families)

Families registered with the County Home Education Program must maintain a portfolio under Florida Statute 1002.41.

YOUR PORTFOLIO MUST INCLUDE:

1. A log of educational activities, made contemporaneously, listing reading materials used

2. Samples of work

   • writings

   • worksheets

   • workbooks

   • creative projects

Portfolios must be kept for two years.

PORTFOLIO DETAILS

The Log Should Include:

• Courses taken

• Curriculum used

• Books read/listened to

• Outside classes or programs

• Field trip log (date, time, location, experience)

• Optional: photos, videos, hobbies, achievements

Work Samples Should Include:

For each subject:

• One sample from the beginning of year

• One from the middle

• One from the end

• Any major tests, papers, or projects

The goal: show the child is making progress commensurate with ability.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS (Only apply if you are enrolled in an umbrella/private school)

County-registered home education families do not have attendance hour requirements.

Private umbrella schools set their own rules, but traditionally follow:

• 180 days per year

• K–3: 4.5 hours/day

• Grades 4–5: 5.0 hours/day

• Grades 6–12: 5.5 hours/day

(This is a private school standard, not a county requirement.)

HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS

Any student taking high-school level coursework should have a transcript.

Our BHCFL Homeschool Resource Center offers a High School Transcript & Diploma Workshop.

FLORIDA GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (Traditional Public School Pathway)

These are included because many families model their homeschool high-school plan after the state’s 24-credit track:

• 4 English

• 4 Math (Algebra 1 & Geometry required)

• 3 Science (Biology + 2 more with labs)

• 3 Social Studies (World, U.S., Gov/Econ)

• 1 Fine/Performing/Practical Arts

• 1 Physical Education

• 8 Electives

• 1 Online course

For specifics, families can view the CPalms Course Directory.

Note: Home education families may create their own graduation requirements, but many follow the above for college readiness.

GET SUPPORT!

By enrolling in Black Homeschoolers of Central Florida, Inc., you gain community, guidance, and resources to help you succeed.

CURRICULUM OPTIONS

Curriculum can be free or paid. Your curriculum is simply the material you use to teach a course.

FREE CURRICULUM OPTIONS

Khan Academy

A free online platform with courses from elementary through high school, including SAT prep.

Florida Virtual School (FLVS Flex)

• Free courses for Florida students

• Classes taught by Florida-certified teachers

• Available full-time or part-time

• Home education families typically choose FLVS Flex a-la-carte courses