Florida Homeschool Intent Form: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started

Starting a homeschool journey in Florida is simpler than most parents think, but there's one critical first step you absolutely cannot skip. If you're pulling your child out of traditional school or beginning home education for the first time, you need to understand the homeschool intent form. This single document officially starts your home education program and protects your family from truancy issues.

The good news? Filing this form isn't complicated once you know what's required. You won't need to provide curriculum details, teaching credentials, or daily schedules. Florida law keeps it refreshingly straightforward.

Throughout this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the homeschool intent form, from what information to include to where and when to file it. You'll also discover practical tips that make the process smoother and learn about common mistakes to avoid.

Key Takeaways

• The intent form is required and easy to file: It legally starts your Florida homeschool program and requires only basic child details within 30 days of beginning.

• You file the intent only once: Annual re-filing isn’t needed, only yearly evaluations are required unless you move counties or restart homeschooling.

• File early and keep proof: Submitting promptly and saving the confirmation will help prevent truancy issues and set your evaluation deadline.

• Districts can’t ask for extra details: Curriculum, schedules, and parent qualifications are not legally required; provide only what the law states.

• Good support simplifies homeschooling: Organized systems and structured programs make it easier to manage learning, records, and evaluations confidently.

What Is a Homeschool Intent Form?

The homeschool intent form is a written notice you send to your county's school superintendent to establish your home education program officially. Think of it as your family's declaration of independence from traditional schooling.

According to Florida Statute 1002.41, this notice must be filed within 30 days of beginning your home education program. The law is specific but not burdensome. Your notice needs just three pieces of information: your child's full legal name, birthdate, and home address. That's it.

You don't need to explain your teaching methods. You don't need to list textbooks. You don't need to justify your decision. The school district cannot demand additional information beyond what state law requires.

Many parents are surprised by how simple this really is. Districts sometimes provide their own forms with extra fields, but you're not required to use them or provide any information beyond the legal minimum.

Why the Intent Form Matters for Your Family?

This simple form does a lot of heavy lifting for your homeschool program. Once filed, it immediately establishes your legal right to homeschool in Florida. The superintendent must accept your notice and register your program right away.

The form also protects you from truancy allegations. Florida has strict compulsory attendance laws for children ages 6 through 16. Without a filed homeschool intent form, your child's absence from traditional school could be flagged as truancy, which creates serious legal problems no parent wants to face.

Your filing date becomes your program's "anniversary date." This matters because Florida requires an annual evaluation of your child's educational progress, due each year on this anniversary. Getting this date right from the start helps you stay organized and compliant.

The intent form is filed just once, not annually. Unless you terminate your program and later restart, or move to a different Florida county, you won't need to file again. This makes it different from some other states where annual notification is required.

Who Needs to File a Homeschool Intent Form?

Florida law clearly defines when you must file a homeschool intent form. You are required to file for any child who will be six years old on or before February 1 of the current school year.

Here’s how that works in practice:

• If your child turns six in December, January, or early February, you must file before the school year begins in August.

• If your child turns six in March or later, filing is not required until the following school year.

This rule often confuses. Many parents assume kindergarten age applies, but filing is not required at age five, even though Florida allows children to start school at five if they turn five by September 1.

Important exception to consider:

• If your child may enter public school for first grade, it’s wise to file a notice of intent for kindergarten.

• Florida requires completion of kindergarten for first-grade entry, and without documentation, your child may be placed back in kindergarten.

Filing tips:

• Include all children who meet the age requirement in a single notice.

• You do not need separate forms for each child.

What Information Goes on Your Homeschool Intent Form?

Florida law specifies exactly what must be included on your homeschool intent form:

Required Information:

• Full legal name of each child being homeschooled

• Birthdate of each child

• Home address where the instruction will take place

• Parent or guardian signature

• Date of the notice

That's the complete list. Notice what's not required:

• Grade levels

• Curriculum choices or materials

• Teaching methods or philosophy

• Daily schedules or hours of instruction

• Social Security numbers

• Parents' education level or teaching credentials

• Race or ethnicity information

School districts sometimes provide forms with fields for this extra information. You can leave those fields blank. Some districts even claim certain information is "required," but Florida law says otherwise. Stick to the statutory minimum.

Your letter can be simple. Here's what the essential parts look like:

"This is written notice that I am establishing a home education program for my child [Full Legal Name], born [Date], residing at [Address]. This notice is filed within 30 days of beginning this home education program in compliance with Florida Statute 1002.41."

Add your signature and date, and you're done. You can find sample forms online, but a simple letter like this meets every legal requirement.

Discover how The School House Anywhere can support your family with ready-to-use lesson plans and comprehensive materials that eliminate curriculum planning stress.

When and Where to File Your Intent Form?

Timing matters when filing your homeschool intent form. Florida law requires you to file within 30 days of starting your home education program, before, on, or shortly after your start date.

In practice, it’s best to file immediately, especially if you’re withdrawing your child from school. Filing the same day or within a few days helps prevent any truancy concerns or administrative confusion.

Submit your notice to the county superintendent where you live. Each county has a home education contact, with details available on the Florida Department of Education or your local district website.

Filing Methods:

Mail: Send your notice via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This provides proof of delivery, which is vital for your records.

Email: Many districts accept email submissions. Make sure you receive a confirmation email or automated response.

Hand Delivery: You can deliver your notice in person to the district office. Ask for a date-stamped copy for your records.

Fax: Some districts still accept faxed notices. Keep the confirmation page.

The key is to provide proof that your notice was received and the date it was received. This documentation protects you and establishes your official anniversary date for future evaluations.

Most districts will send you a confirmation letter acknowledging receipt of your notice and registering your home education program. Keep this letter with your homeschool records. If you don't receive confirmation within a few weeks, follow up with the district.

Your Annual Obligations After Filing

Filing your homeschool intent form is just the first step. Florida also requires an annual evaluation to document each homeschooled child’s educational progress.

The evaluation is due on or before the anniversary of your original filing date each year.

Evaluation options (choose one):

• Teacher Evaluation: A Florida-certified teacher reviews your child’s portfolio and confirms progress.

• Standardized Testing: A nationally normed test showing progress in reading and math.

• State Assessment: A district-approved state student assessment.

• Psychological Evaluation: Conducted by a Florida-licensed psychologist.

• Other Measurement: Any method agreed upon with the superintendent.

Most families choose teacher evaluations or standardized testing. Evaluations offer flexibility, while testing provides more objective data.

You’ll also need to keep a portfolio with a log of activities and samples of your child’s work. The superintendent may request to see it with 15 days’ notice, but reviews are rare and only confirm that a portfolio exists.

Once you set up a simple system, like keeping a binder throughout the year, these requirements become routine and manageable.

Moving Within Florida: The Transfer Process

Relocating doesn’t have to disrupt your homeschool plans. Florida has clear procedures in place to help families move without interrupting their home education program.

If You Move Within Florida

• You do not need to terminate your homeschool program or file a new intent form.

• Use the Home Education Transfer Form from the Florida Department of Education.

• Submit the form to both your old and new counties.

• Your original anniversary date and evaluation deadline stay the same.

• No evaluation is required before moving.

Note: If a district requests termination and a new intent, refer them to the Florida Department of Education's Home Education Director for current policy guidance.

If You Move Out of Florida

• File a notice of termination with your current district within 30 days.

• Review homeschool laws in your new state, as requirements vary widely.

Explore The School House Anywhere to simplify curriculum planning and homeschool organization. Start your Florida homeschool journey with confidence and clarity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing

Many parents make simple errors that create unnecessary complications. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Including Too Much Information: Provide only what’s legally required. Extra details can cause issues if you change the curriculum later.

• Waiting Too Long to File: File as soon as you withdraw your child. Delays can raise truancy concerns.

• Not Keeping Records: Save copies of your notice, proof of delivery, and confirmation letter.

• Filing Annually: The intent form is filed once. Only the evaluation is annual.

• Using the Wrong County: File with the superintendent in your county of residence.

• Forgetting Younger Children: File a new notice when a sibling reaches the required age.

• Not Filing for Kindergarten: File if your child may enter public first grade to avoid placement problems.

These mistakes are easy to avoid once you're aware of them. Take your time with the paperwork and double-check everything before submitting.

How The School House Anywhere Supports Your Homeschool Journey

After filing your homeschool intent, many families wonder what to teach. Traditional options often feel either rigid and worksheet-heavy or too scattered to manage.

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a complete, homeschool-focused solution for Pre-K through 6th grade.

What Makes TSHA Different?

TSHA is built around the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), a hands-on, secular program that emphasizes real-world connections. Learning happens through 6-week thematic modules that integrate subjects like reading, math, science, and social studies, reflecting how children naturally learn.

Non-Screen, Experiential Learning

TSHA prioritizes hands-on learning through projects, exploration, and creative work. Films and print materials support active learning, not passive screen time. AI is used only by parents and educators for planning and organization, never by students.

Support for Parents

Parents receive 24/7 support, access to weekly community gatherings, and tools like Transparent Classroom for tracking progress and evaluations. A strong parent community helps families feel confident and connected.

Flexible Learning Environments

TSHA works for homeschool families, micro-schools, and small learning centers. It’s U.S.-focused, secular, and designed for families of all backgrounds, with a focus on critical thinking and real-world learning.

TSHA brings curriculum, support, and community together to make homeschooling simpler and more organized.

Wrapping Up Your Homeschool Intent Journey

Starting a home education program in Florida begins with filing your homeschool intent form. This simple step legally establishes your program and lays the groundwork for your homeschool journey.

File within 30 days of starting, include only the required information, and submit it to your county superintendent with proof of delivery. After filing, you’ll maintain a portfolio and complete annual evaluations on your anniversary date, tasks that become easy with simple, consistent systems.

The intent form is just the beginning. Florida’s homeschool laws offer the right balance of structure and freedom, allowing families to create an education that fits their children’s needs, values, and learning styles.

Transform your homeschool from overwhelming to organized. See how The School House Anywhere provides everything you need in one comprehensive program, from lesson plans to progress tracking to community support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to file a new homeschool intent form every year?

No, the homeschool intent form is filed just once when you start your program. Your annual requirement is the educational evaluation, not a new intent form. You only file again if you terminate your program and later restart, or if you move to a different Florida county.

2. Can I start homeschooling in the middle of the school year?

Yes, you can begin homeschooling at any time during the year. File your homeschool intent form within 30 days of starting, and that date becomes your anniversary for future annual evaluations. Many families transition mid-year without any issues.

3. What happens if I miss my evaluation deadline?

Missing your annual evaluation deadline puts your home education program out of compliance and could result in the district terminating your program. Set reminders well in advance of your anniversary date to ensure you submit documentation on time.

4. Can The School House Anywhere be used by families who travel frequently?

Absolutely. TSHA's flexible, portable curriculum is perfect for traveling families. The materials are printable or accessible digitally, and the hands-on nature of the curriculum means learning can happen anywhere, not just at a desk. Many traveling families appreciate how TSHA incorporates real-world experiences that complement their lifestyle.

5. How does TSHA support parents with no teaching experience?

TSHA provides comprehensive lesson plans, all necessary materials, and clear guidance for every activity. The 24/7 support team is available to answer questions whenever you need help. Weekly gatherings connect you with experienced homeschool parents who share practical tips. You don't need teaching credentials; TSHA provides everything you need to guide your child's learning confidently.