Please note, this is not intended as legal advice. This is for informational purposes only and should you choose to Homeschool in Florida then you need to double check the Florida Department of Education website for current regulations.
Florida has moderate requirements for homeschooling. You can either register as an option 1 Homeschool or file under an “umbrella” homeschool program.
The requirements for homeschooling in Florida are:
- File a notice of intent with the local superintendent’s office.-
- This is NOT something you have to do every year – just do it when you first begin your homeschool journey.
- When you put together this notification, make sure to include the names, addresses, and birth dates of the homeschool students.
- Choose the curriculum. Parents have the option to choose any curriculum they want.
- Maintain a portfolio of educational records and preserve them for two years.
- This should consist of a log of educational activities you completed throughout the year.
- Include titles of textbooks, samples of 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 or the superintendent’s agent upon 15 days of written notice.
- Provide annual student evaluations to the superintendent if requested.
- The evaluation must consist of one of the following:A Florida certified teacher chosen by the parent may evaluate the child’s progress based on a review of the portfolio and discussion with the student.
- The student may take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher.
- The student may take a state student assessment test at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district.
- The student may be evaluated by a psychologist holding a valid, active license pursuant to section 490.003 (7) or (8), F.S.
- The student may be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the parent and the superintendent.
- File letter of termination and annual evaluation upon completion of homeschool program.
Florida Secular Homeschool Groups
Black Homeschoolers of Central Florida, Inc.
“Black Homeschoolers of Central Florida, Inc. executes that mission by providing classes, guest speakers in career fields, field trips, hosting an annual graduation/awards ceremony, a lending library, informative communications, support, motivation, family to family connections, and connections to other support groups at the local and state level. Black Homeschoolers of Central Florida empowers our children and inspires parents to harness the power within to educate their children. This organization is not affiliated with any one religion and is open to people of all faiths.”
Central Florida Rainbow Homeschoolers
“his is a secular space for homeschooling LGBTQ+ families and strong allies throughout Central Florida to plan meetups, share ideas, and be bright spots in each other’s lives. We have multiple ways to participate online and in person each week so please take advantage of them.”
“CIRCLE (Children Involved in a Respectful Co-operative Learning Environment) is an all-inclusive, secular homeschool community and does not discriminate against anyone regarding religion, politics, race, gender, sexuality, age, educational methods, or other differentiating factors. The group is open to families seeking a respectful co-operative learning environment and community. All ages are welcome, from infants through adults.
“This is a secular homeschooling group with members primarily in Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville, and surrounding areas.”
Crestview Secular Homeschoolers – Okaloosa/ Walton County
“We are an inclusive parent led group of active homeschool families in the Crestview, FL area. A group where everyone can be comfortable regardless of your homeschooling style or personal beliefs. Members can post questions, comments, get togethers, field trips, etc.”
“An inclusive homeschool group aimed at providing fun, friendship and enriching educational activities for our members and their families.”
Florida Homeschool Association
“Florida Homeschool Association Serving all families throughout the Sunshine State!”
Gainesville Area Secular Homeschoolers
“A Non-discriminating homeschool support group/co-op in Gainesville Florida. I recently changed the name to reflect our no religious content values. We want everyone to feel welcome here, no matter your beliefs.”
Hernando County Unschoolers/Homeschoolers
“School aged events/classes and home school type posts ONLY! Keep in mind, this is a diverse group. There are people here of all faiths, as well as nonbelievers. Different races, cultures, backgrounds, political views, etc.”
“A secular homeschool group for Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties offering a place to coordinate and set-up homeschool activities, field trips, etc.”
“an in-person support group for homeschoolers in Palm Beach County, Florida which is not associated with any religious group nor any particular faith; it welcomes people of all faiths or of no faith with a focus on homeschooling rather than faith and has park meetings twice monthly in the Royal Palm Beach area and also sponsors a variety of field trips, activities, clubs, events, etc. throughout the year.”
“A non-profit cooperative of homeschooling families in and around Southwest Florida. We have been operating since 2016 with the goal of providing quality and inclusive, secular, educational opportunities for local homeschool families. Homeschool Rocks! meets regularly for classes, playdates, field trips, and more from August through May!”
We are a casual Secular Homeschooling group, created to meet and chat with other like minded parents that live in or around the Jacksonville Florida area.
“Love Of Learning Families (LOL) is a secular, open-minded community of homeschooling families in the Tampa Bay area. We strive for tolerance, respect, and friendship for our children and ourselves. We are supportive of attachment parenting and natural family living, and we welcome families of all faiths,cultures, nationalities, abilities, and are a LGBTQ+ friendly community.”
“Ocala Homeschooling, founded in 2009, is Ocala’s longest running inclusive group for homeschooling families. All are welcome regardless of religious beliefs (or none at all) and homeschooling method.”
Orlando Homeschooling Rockstars
“This group is a resource and meeting spot for homeschooling families with middle and high school students in the Central Florida area. We are secular, non-discriminatory, open minded, and friendly.”
Parents’ Association for Teaching at Home
“P.A.T.H. Inc. is a secular, non-profit homeschooling co-op and support group run by parent volunteers. We collaborate to support families in Miami-Dade County who have decided to educate their children at home.”
“Palm Beach County Homeschoolers, Inc. is an inclusive volunteer-run homeschool support group open to local Palm Beach County, Florida homeschoolers regardless of beliefs, ethnicity, or homeschooling style. Our focus is on homeschooling with an aim to provide friendly, low-cost support with social and educational opportunities for all. PBCH is an incorporated, not-for-profit group.” Facebook Group
South Florida Secular Homeschooling for Teens
“We are a secular group of homeschooling families with teenaged children, living in the South Florida areas of Northern Dade and Broward counties.”
“We are a secular group of homeschoolers in central Florida hosting in person meet ups and online communication. We have coop classes, field trips and meet ups, parties, and our teen dances which always sell out! All are welcome!”
Tampa Bay Secular Homeschool Families
“This is a place for those of you who are homeschooling for non-religious reasons, want tolerance for all beliefs, or anything in between.”
