Home Education - Getting Started

FYI: FL Home Education Fact Sheet

Notice of Intent to Establish a Home Education Program FORM

The attached form is for families who wish to officially home educate their children by notifying their Florida school district that the parent is assuming responsibility for the child’s education.

Submission Recommendation

BSE recommends emailing this form directly to your local Florida school district’s home education contact.

Please DO NOT use any Notice of Intent form provided by the school district. Use only the approved form provided here (or create your own compliant letter, as outlined above). District-created forms may request additional information beyond what is required by Florida law.

Submitting the correct form helps ensure your rights under Florida’s home education statutes are protected.

Important:
This form should NOT be used by families participating in the Personalized Education Program (PEP). PEP families must instead submit the Student Learning Plan provided by their chosen Scholarship Funding Organization.

Important Information About Filing Your Letter of Intent

The district is required to immediately accept and record your Letter of Intent.
Once submitted, the district must log it. Approval is not required.
The district cannot require additional information unless you choose to enroll your child in a district-operated program (such as public school sports or classes).
This applies even if you have recently moved into the district.
The district cannot delay or refuse to record your Letter of Intent pending other actions.
Florida’s home education law prohibits districts from adding extra requirements beyond what the statute specifies.
The district cannot require you to use a specific form.
A compliant letter that includes the required statutory elements is sufficient.
Timing of Filing:
The Letter of Intent should be filed within 30 days of establishing your home education program.

It may be filed the day you begin.
It may be filed up to 30 days before beginning.
It may be filed up to 30 days after beginning.

The Letter of Intent is filed only once.
It remains in effect until the parent submits a Letter of Termination. It does not need to be refiled annually.

Recordkeeping and Annual Evaluation Requirements

I. Maintain Required Records

Parents must maintain the following records for at least two years:

Portfolio
A sampling of the student’s work (examples of assignments, writings, projects, etc.).
Daily Log
A parent-maintained record of daily educational activities, including a list of reading materials used.

Important:
With prior 15-day written notice, the Superintendent may request to review the portfolio. The review is limited to verifying that a portfolio exists and is being maintained.

II. File an Annual Evaluation

An annual evaluation must be submitted to the Superintendent on or before the anniversary date of establishing the home education program.

Parents may choose one of the following evaluation options:

1. Teacher Evaluation

Conducted by a teacher holding a valid Florida teaching certificate.
Includes a review of the portfolio and an interview with the student.

2. Nationally Normed Achievement Test

Administered by a certified teacher of the parent’s choice.

3. State Student Assessment Test

Participation in a state-approved student assessment.

4. Psychological Evaluation

Conducted by a licensed psychologist pursuant to Florida Statute 490.003(7) or (8).