INTRODUCTION TO HOMESCHOOLING IN FLORIDA - How to get Started
	by Krista, klica@mediaone.net)

Note: This paper address “Getting Started” for those choosing
to homeschool under the Home Education statutes.  If you choose
to homeschool with a private school you must follow the rules 
of that school.

1. Read the Florida statutes that govern home education-   
You can find the statutes on the web at:  www.leg.state.fl.us
This is the Online Sunshine site.  You can also read copies 
of the statutes at the HELPS site, www.HelpsOnline.org

2. Send a letter of intent to the county superintendent-
Florida is a compulsory education state.  This means that
when your child is 6-16 years old they must be in a public,
private, a tutorial, or home education program.  When you 
child reaches the age of 6 you send a notice of intent to
home educate to your district’s school superintendent. 
It is suggested that you only give the information required
by statute; the student name, address, date of birth, parents
name and parents signature.  The law says you must sent it 
within 30 days of beginning home education, but it is 
recommended that you do it as soon as you decide to start 
homeschooling.  (Note: If you child turns 6 AFTER February 
1st, they are not required by statute to be in enrolled 
anywhere until the next school year.  You can send a letter
or intent in, but you are not required to.)
Some counties, such as Broward, will send you a home education
packet.  This packet may contain a letter of intent form 
requesting the same information explained above with 
additional optional questions.  You do NOT have to use this
form and most homeschoolers do not.  A simple letter of intent
meets the law and is all that is needed.

3. Start a portfolio- The state statutes say:  “The parent or
guardian shall maintain a portfolio of records and materials.
The portfolio shall consist of the following:
1. A log of educational activities which is made 
contemporaneously with the instruction and which designates 
by title any reading materials used.
2. Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative 
materials used or developed by the student.
The portfolio shall be preserved by the parent or guardian for 
2 years and shall be made available for inspection by the 
superintendent, or the superintendent's agent, upon 15 days'
written notice. Nothing in this section shall require the 
superintendent to inspect the portfolio.”

Please refer to “What a Portfolio Inspection Should Look Like”
by Krista Lica.  This explains what is required by law and 
different styles of keeping a portfolio. You can find this 
on the HELPS website.   www.HelpsOnline.org

4.  Investigate learning and teaching styles.-There are 
many websites and books available that explain different
learning and teaching styles.  Many beginning homeschoolers
assume they have to follow a particular curriculum or teach
the way the schools do.  One of the greatest benefits of 
homeschooling is that your family can decide what will 
work best for you. Take some time to research different
methods before rushing to buy curriculum.  Many homeschoolers
do not use a set curriculum but use “Unit Studies,”  
“Child-Centered Learning” or “Unschooling.” You can find 
information about these styles on the HELPS website.

5. Join a support group-There are local support groups and 
email lists for homeschoolers.  It is important to connect
with others who are also on this great adventure.  Support
groups offer many ways to socialize, both for you and your 
children.  You can speak to families that have been 
homeschooling for many years, as well as those at the same
point as yourself.  Homeschoolers are a very diverse group.
HELPS is a non-sectarian groups with members of many 
different faiths and nationalities that use a wide range of 
learning and teaching methods.  Our meetings and park days
are open to the public, so come on out and give us a try.  

6. Provide an annual evaluation- You must send the county 
an annual evaluation.  This is due 1 year from the date of
your letter of intent.  Some counties overstep their 
authority and ask for the evaluations at the end of 
the public school year, but this is not the law.  You have 
one year. This is a brief outline of your evaluation 
options.  Please refer to the law for a full description.:
1) have child's portfolio reviewed by a Florida certified
teacher 
2) have child tested by a certified teacher 
3) state student test administered by the school district.
FCAT, scores are sent to the state)
4) be evaluated by a licensed psychologist,
5) have child evaluated by another valid tool that is 
mutually agreed upon with school superintendent.

Note: Florida law does not require grades or grade levels
for homeschoolers.  The child has to show “demonstration
of educational progress at a level commensurate with her
or his ability”.  There is a sample form that a Florida 
certified teacher can fill out and sign.  Basically, it 
says that the “child has shown progress at a level 
commensurate with her or his ability”.  This is the only 
document you have to turn in for the evaluation.  You 
do NOT have to send in test scores if you choose a 
testing option.  We recommend that you do not sent any 
scores in.

If you have any further questions such as “What about 
College?”  or “Can I Teach High-school?”  or “What Do
I tell the In-laws?”
Please visit www.HelpsOnline.org or www.NHEN.org or 
www.Home-Ed-Magazine.org For great articles that 
address these and many other homeschooling issues.