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Homeschool in Florida: step by step
The whole shape of the journey in one scroll. Each step links to the detailed guide or the official source — read what you need, skip what you don’t.
Understand what homeschooling in Florida actually is
Homeschooling here is a legal path with paperwork, not just a lifestyle choice. Ten minutes of orientation prevents expensive wrong assumptions.
- What is homeschooling in Florida? (short guide)
- Florida Statute 1002.41 — the home education law itself
Last verified June 11, 2026
Know the three legal paths
County home education, umbrella school, and scholarship-funded (PEP / FES-UA) are different systems — different reporting, records, and funding rules.
- Home Education Program — direct county filing
- Umbrella school — private-school structure
- PEP and FES-UA — the scholarship paths
Last verified June 11, 2026
Compare and choose for this school year
Pick a one-year model, not a forever model. The decision sequence in the paths guide walks the trade-offs in three questions.
Last verified June 11, 2026
File or enroll — the paperwork
The Letter of Intent works year-round: a signed written notice to your district superintendent within 30 days of starting. Scholarship paths run on their own application windows — PEP’s 2026-27 window closed April 30 and reached capacity.
- Find your district’s home education office (FLDOE contacts)
- PEP program status and eligibility (Step Up For Students)
Last verified June 11, 2026
Set up your first weeks
A seven-item setup checklist — path, official source, contact, first filing, records rhythm, calendar dates, and a 30/60/90-day review — with progress that saves in your browser.
Last verified June 11, 2026
Stay legal year over year
Portfolio upkeep, the annual evaluation, and program-specific renewals run on a yearly rhythm. Check what matters for your family this month.
Last verified June 11, 2026
Rules and program windows on this page change. The free Friday briefing is how we — and you — keep up: see what arrives each week.
Informational only. Verify current requirements with official federal, state, local, and program sources before acting.