Homeschooling in Florida: PEP Scholarship Details and More

Are you considering homeschooling your child in Florida but feeling overwhelmed by the different options and requirements? 

Don't worry—we’ve got you covered! Homeschooling can be a great way to provide a personalized and flexible education for your child, and in Florida, there are many laws and programs to make it easier, including a new school choice scholarship every parent should know about!

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about homeschooling in Florida, including laws, details on the new Personalized Education Program (PEP) Scholarship, and even an amazing alternative to homeschooling— microschooling.

What are my options for homeschooling in Florida? 

Florida is one of the best states for homeschooling in the U.S. The state established its homeschool statute in 1985, and since then, it has given parents the freedom to choose from three legal paths to homeschooling their children. 

• The first option, commonly referred to as traditional homeschooling, allows you to create your own curriculum and teach your children at home. However, you must keep a portfolio of records and provide an annual evaluation. 
• The second option is to enroll your child in a private school "umbrella" program. This program handles record-keeping and compliance, allowing parents to focus more on instruction. 
• The third option is to hire a private tutor who is qualified to teach your child at home. This is a great option for parents who prefer a professional educator to handle their child's education. 

Most Florida homeschool parents choose one of the first two options. But the best part is the Florida Department of Education recognizes all three options, which means you have the freedom to choose the method that best suits your child's educational needs. 

In short, Florida's homeschool laws provide flexibility in choosing the curriculum, allowing for customized educational approaches that can include online programs, experiential learning environments, and more traditional structures. 

So, if you're considering homeschooling your child, Florida is definitely the place to be!

What are Florida’s homeschool requirements? 

Homeschooling is a popular choice for families in Florida. It offers flexibility and allows parents to give their children a quality education. 

Florida law requires children to attend school or comply with homeschool laws starting in the school year in which they turn six on or before February 1. Parents do not need any teacher qualifications under Florida law, and there are no immunization requirements. This means that parents have the freedom to select or design curriculums that best meet their children's academic needs.

First, you must choose a homeschooling path. Then, familiarize yourself with the steps you need to take depending on that path. 

If you choose traditional homeschooling…

File a notice of intent to homeschool with your local school district. The process is simple and straightforward. You must submit the notice within 30 days of beginning your homeschool program, and it must include the full legal names, addresses, and birthdates of your homeschool students.

Once your notice is accepted, you can start your homeschool program. You'll need to maintain an educational portfolio that documents the learning process and progress. The portfolio must contain a log of educational activities, a list of the titles of any reading materials used, and samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, etc., used or developed by the student. You must keep this portfolio for two years.

At the end of each school year, homeschooled students must undergo an educational evaluation. This evaluation can be conducted through various methods, including having educational progress evaluated by a teacher holding a valid regular Florida teaching certificate and selected by the parent. This evaluation must include a review of the portfolio and a discussion with the student.

‍If you choose an umbrella program…

Enroll your child in a private school registered with the Florida Department of Education that will oversee your homeschool program. It is your responsibility as a parent to ensure the school where you enroll your student complies with all private school requirements mandated by the state of Florida.

If you choose a private tutor…

You must select a private tutor who holds a valid Florida certificate to teach the subjects or grades in which instruction is given. The certified teacher who is tutoring your child must keep records and make reports as required by the state and district school boards.

Does the state of Florida pay for homeschooling? 

Good news—Florida has several financial assistance options available for homeschooling families. 

Homeschool families in Florida can use these programs to help fund their homeschooling journeys: 

‍The Personalized Education Program is available for Florida students who are not full-time private or public school students. This scholarship provides an educational savings account (ESA) to fund the educational needs of eligible students. This program is also sometimes referred to as the "Step Up For Students Scholarship."

Quick Facts about the Personalized Education Program: 

• It is open to K-12 Florida residents not enrolled in full-time private or public school, regardless of household income.
• Students must be at least age 5 by September 1 of the school year in which they wish to enroll.
• It provides access to an education savings account (ESA) that functions like a bank account for specific approved educational expenses.
• In the 2024-2025 school year, the program is limited to 60,000 kids but will increase by 40,000 students each year. That means 100,000 will have access in 2025-2026.
• Award amounts depend on your child's grade level and your county but average about $8,000 per student per year. (Find grade level and county specifics here)

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) provides an education savings account (ESA) that can be used for a variety of programs and approved providers, including schools, therapists, specialists, curriculum, technology, and college savings accounts. 

Quick facts about the FES-UA scholarship: 

• It is available to students with a specific diagnosis from age 3 through grade 12 or age 22, whichever comes first.
• The average award amount is $10,000.
• The funds may be used for tuition and fees at a private school, homeschooling options, therapies, tutoring, and more.

The New Worlds Scholarship is available to public school students in K-5th grade who struggle with reading and/or math. This scholarship provides financial assistance for fees related to tutoring, after-school/summer programs, instructional materials, curriculum, and more. 

Florida also has robust Tax Credit Scholarship program that you may want to look into!

Homeschooled students also have the same opportunities as those who attend public schools to enter institutions of higher learning and are eligible to participate in the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program as long they meet the requirements. 

With all of these financial assistance options in place, homeschooling is more accessible and sustainable for families. Yay! 

Not sure about homeschooling? Consider microschooling.

A microschool is a tight-knit community of 5-10 kids led by an inspiring, caring adult. We call this person a microschool guide. Prenda is one of the largest and most trusted microschool networks in the country. We’ve helped over 1,000 people start microschools in their communities. 

Microschools provide a social and collaborative learning environment where kids get to learn at their own pace and level through mastery-based academic programs as well as explore their interests through interactive, hands-on, inquiry-led experiences. 

Prenda Microschools accepts both PEP scholarship and FES-UA scholarship funds and will even help you navigate the application process as a parent or if you're interested in running your own Prenda microshcool.

Microschooling vs. homeschooling 

Microschools are kind of the sweet spot between homeschooling and a normal brick-and-mortar school. Your kids still “go to school,” but it’s usually for fewer hours and fewer days than conventional school. That means that you still get to spend more time with your kids, and they get to have a healthier school-life balance. 

The microschool model can blend the benefits of traditional schooling—such as social interaction and shared resources—with the personalized approach of homeschooling.

Like homeschooling, you get a big say in what and how your kids learn since you’ll get to help choose their curriculum and set personal academic goals with your child and their guide. It’s a nice balance of responsibility and support. Microschool parents feel involved, heard, and in control while not feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. 

Whether you choose traditional homeschooling, an umbrella school, private tutoring, or even microschooling, Florida offers a supportive and flexible legal framework to foster educational success at home. 

To see if there are any microschools in your area, visit prenda.com/find-a-microschool. If there aren’t any microschools in your area, don’t worry—it’s easy to start one! 

Why microschooling may be the right option for you 

So you might be wondering… How do I know if microschooling is the best education option for my child? 

Well, microschooling may be the right option for you if you want:

• a small, personalized learning environment;
• greater flexibility in curriculum choice;
• the opportunity for your kids to learn at their own pace;
• your kids to love learning again!

And Prenda microschools have even more benefits, such as access to 24/7 math tutoring, a dedicated academic coach, and typically about 20 hours of class time per week. 

So, if you’re a parent looking to find a microschool for your child near you, go here.  

If you can’t find a microschool near you, become a guide yourself! We make it so easy! Go here for an amazing course that will walk you through everything you need to know.

Prenda’s microschool management system and learning approach are intentionally designed to help you run a microschool whether you have education experience or not.

Starting a microschool truly is an amazing experience. 

And don’t just take it from us.

Take it from Heather: 

"I went to a Prenda info session and loved everything I heard but was unsure about leaving my job and pulling my kids from public school. I was nervous that I didn't have what it took to teach, and leaving the only system I knew seemed scary and crazy. We made the jump, and I started a microschool with my own two children and four additional learners. My students love coming to school every day so much that going home is the most challenging transition... I find that my life has slowed down to a pace where I can be present and enjoy every moment. Thank you to Prenda for offering this life-changing experience." 

—Heather, Prenda guide

If you are curious about starting your own ESA microschool, take our FREE 30-minute course: The Beginner's Guide to Microschooling.‍ Or, if you’re ready to jump right in, Create a Prenda World account today and start designing your future microschool. 

Whether you become a guide, find a microschool near you, or just jumpstart your journey towards more joy and peace at home (by checking out our awesome content designed to help you help kids unlock their motivation, hold on to their love of learning, and live powerful, purposeful lives), we’re excited to have you join us on our mission of empowering learners.