How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Florida

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Florida requires to start

   Fla. Stat. 1002.41(1)(a) requires the parent to file a written notice of intent, signed by the parent, with the district school superintendent of the county of residence within 30 days of establishing the home education program. Under 1002.41(1)(b) the superintendent shall accept it and register the program, and the district may not require additional information. This is notice only, with no approval step. Florida also has scholarship programs (Fla. Stat. 1002.394 and 1002.395) that are separate from home education, and we did not review their eligibility.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   Fla. Stat. 1002.41 does not say how to leave a public school, and it does not state that the notice of intent itself withdraws the child. Whether a separate withdrawal form or letter to the school is required was not found in primary sources we read, and the Florida Department of Education pages returned an access error. Informing the school in writing is common courtesy.

   Less certain: the sources on this were thin or in conflict. Confirm with the state office before relying on it.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   The notice is due within 30 days of establishing the program, per 1002.41(1)(a). When the program ends, 1002.41(1)(c) calls for a termination notice and the annual evaluation within 30 days of termination. A portfolio is kept for 2 years and available for inspection on 15 days' written notice, and an annual evaluation is filed with the superintendent under 1002.41(1)(d) to (f).

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   Fla. Stat. 1002.22 gives parents the right to access their child's education records under state and federal law. FERPA also gives a parent the right to inspect and request a copy of the child's education records.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   Fla. Stat. 1002.41(10) addresses exceptional student education related services for home education students. Federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) lets a parent revoke consent to special education services in writing, and revocation ends those services. We did not find a state-specific revocation form in primary sources.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Florida: the items Florida asks to be included are listed in it. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The district school superintendent of the county where I live [name and address]

Re: Notice of intent to home school, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Under Fla. Stat. 1002.41, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Florida asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Full legal name of each child [fill in]
- Address of each child [fill in]
- Birthdate of each child [fill in]
- Parent signature [fill in]

Please also treat this letter as my notice that my child is withdrawn from [name of current school] effective [start date].

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Florida

District school superintendent's office (county of residence), per Fla. Stat. 1002.41, last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions