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Florida Home Education Laws

Florida home education laws were established in the 1980s to protect homeschool families while also providing a reasonable framework for accountability. These laws ensure that homeschooled students are receiving an education, while safeguarding families from unnecessary government overreach.

Although the statutes may appear lengthy or complicated at first glance, most provisions are designed to protect homeschoolers and clearly define the limits of district authority. The law creates a balanced system—offering both educational freedom and structured verification.

**Always verify the law for yourself. Homeschool legal counsel links: HSLDA and FL Home Education Foundation

Florida Statutes Relevant to Home Education Students

Below are key sections of Florida law that apply to home education students (the legal term for homeschooling in Florida). These statutes define parent rights, student responsibilities, and protections for families.

Section 1000.21, Florida Statutes (F.S.) — Definitions

Provides important definitions, including the definition of “parent” for educational purposes.
For submitting a Letter of Intent and other home education documentation, “parent” may include:

Section 1001.21, F.S. — Office of Private School and Home Education Programs

Establishes an office within the Florida Department of Education to work with home education and private school students.
Clarifies that home education and private school students are not part of any Florida public school district.

Section 1002.01, F.S. — Definitions

Defines “home education” and distinguishes it from private school enrollment.

Section 1002.20, F.S. — K–12 Student and Parent Rights

Section 1002.41, F.S. — Home Education

The core statute governing home education programs in Florida.
Outlines requirements such as:

Section 1003.01(13), F.S. — School Attendance

Confirms that compliance with home education law satisfies school attendance requirements.

Section 1003.26(1)(f), F.S. — Enforcement of School Attendance

Addresses portfolio review requirements for students under investigation for a pattern of nonattendance (truancy), typically from prior enrollment.

Section 1003.27, F.S. — Court Procedures and Penalties

Outlines court procedures related to truancy investigations.

Section 1003.4282(7), F.S. — Uniform Transfer of High School Credits

Explains how home education students may transfer credits into a Florida public high school.
For detailed guidance, see FLHEF.org.

Section 1006.15, F.S. — Student Participation in Extracurricular Activities (Craig Dickinson Act)

Allows home education students to participate in interscholastic and intrascholastic extracurricular activities—including sports—at Florida public schools and eligible private schools.

Section 1007.263, F.S. — Admission to Florida College System Institutions

Requires Florida College System institutions to accept home education graduates as high school graduates when the parent/guardian submits a notarized Affidavit of Completion.

Section 1007.271, F.S. — Dual Enrollment Programs

Governs dual enrollment opportunities for eligible home education students.

Section 1009.53, F.S. — Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Establishes eligibility guidelines for the Bright Futures Scholarship.

Section 1009.538, F.S. — Bright Futures for Students Attending Nonpublic Institutions

Outlines scholarship provisions for recipients attending nonpublic postsecondary institutions.

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