Question 1

How do I start homeschooling in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Send a short written notice of intent, signed by you, to your district school superintendent within 30 days of starting. It just needs each child's full legal name, address, and birthdate. The district must register your program right away and cannot ask for more. Confirm the mailing or portal details with your district.

Question 2

What records does a Florida home education family have to keep?

Accepted Answer

A portfolio: a log of learning activities kept as you go (listing reading materials by title) and samples of your child's writing, worksheets, workbooks, and creative work. Keep it for two years. The district can ask to see it with 15 days' written notice, though inspections are rare.

Question 3

What is the annual evaluation and what are my options?

Accepted Answer

Once a year you file an evaluation showing your child is making progress in line with their ability. You pick the method: a portfolio review with a Florida-certified teacher, a nationally normed test, the state assessment through the district, an evaluation by a licensed psychologist, or another tool you and the district agree on.

Question 4

What is PEP and how is it different from regular home education?

Accepted Answer

PEP is the Personalized Education Program, a scholarship run by Step Up For Students for kids not enrolled full time in a school. PEP families follow the scholarship's rules — an annual Student Learning Plan and a yearly nationally normed test reported to Step Up — instead of registering as a home education program with the district. You are in one track or the other, not both; check the current program handbook.

Question 5

Can PEP funds pay for an online curriculum subscription?

Accepted Answer

Instructional materials — including digital materials and internet resources such as educational app subscriptions — and curriculum are approved spending categories. Subscriptions are funded at single-student pricing. Purchases go through MyScholarShop, an approved provider, or reimbursement with itemized receipts. Check the current PEP Purchasing Guide for specifics.

Question 6

How much is the Florida scholarship and when do I apply?

Accepted Answer

For the 2026-27 school year, awards range from about $7,500 to $12,200 depending on your county and your child's grade, with most around $8,000. Applications and renewals run February 1 through April 30 for the following school year, and you confirm your decision by May 31. Check Step Up For Students for current dates and amounts.

Your Florida homeschool checklist.

Getting started

Through the year

Florida Tax Credit Scholarship - Personalized Education Program (FTC-PEP), alongside the Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES-EO) paperwork

Homeschooling in Florida? We’ll handle the paperwork side.

Sources