How to Start Homeschooling in Hillsborough or Polk County, Florida
Starting homeschool in Florida can feel like a paperwork maze, especially around Plant City, where families may live in Hillsborough County, Polk County, or move between the two. The good news is that Florida's traditional home education process is fairly straightforward once you know which legal pathway you are using and which county office handles your registration.
Step 1: Choose your Florida homeschool pathway
This guide focuses on Florida's traditional Home Education Program, where the parent registers directly with the school district in the county where the family resides.
Florida also has other legal pathways, including private-school umbrella programs, private tutoring, and the Personalized Education Program (PEP) scholarship. PEP is different: PEP students register with a Scholarship Funding Organization rather than the school district, so PEP families do not file the traditional county Letter of Intent. Before filing anything, make sure you know which pathway you are using. For a broader overview of Florida's legal homeschool options, see HSLDA's Florida homeschool law page.
Step 2: If you are using traditional Home Education, file your Notice of Intent
Under Florida law, the parent must notify the district school superintendent in the county of residence within 30 days after establishing the home education program. The notice includes the student's name, address, and date of birth. The district registers the program; it is not an approval process, and the parent does not need a Florida teaching certificate.
Step 3: Keep a simple homeschool portfolio
Florida's traditional Home Education Program requires a portfolio with a contemporaneous log of educational activities, including titles of reading materials, plus samples of student work such as writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials. Keep the portfolio for two years. A district may inspect it only after 15 days' written notice.
Step 4: Complete an annual evaluation
Each year, families in the traditional Home Education Program must document educational progress and file an evaluation with the county. Florida law provides several options:
A portfolio review and student discussion by a Florida-certified teacher.
A nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher.
A state student assessment used by the school district, under conditions approved by the district.
An evaluation by a licensed psychologist or school psychologist.
Another valid measurement tool mutually agreed upon by the parent and the district.
Your county's Home Education page will have the local forms and submission instructions.
Hillsborough County families
Hillsborough County Public Schools has a dedicated Home Education site with links for the Letter of Intent, program information, testing and evaluation resources, and termination forms. If you live on the Hillsborough side of Plant City, start with the Hillsborough County Home Education page.
Polk County families
Polk County Public Schools' Home Education page includes the Notice of Intent, annual evaluation form, Notice of Termination, testing information, and contact information for the district Home Education Office. If your residence is on the Polk side of the Plant City/Lakeland area, use the Polk County Home Education Program page.
Step 5: When you stop homeschooling or move counties
Under the traditional Home Education Program, file a written Notice of Termination with your current county within 30 days after ending the program. If you move to another Florida county and continue traditional home education, you will register with the new county. Keep copies of everything you submit and the district's confirmation for your records.
Your quick-start checklist
Confirm whether you are using traditional Home Education, PEP, a private-school umbrella program, or another legal option.
If using traditional Home Education, identify your county of residence: Hillsborough or Polk.
Submit the county Notice of Intent within 30 days after establishing your home education program.
Start a simple portfolio and keep it current.
Choose an annual evaluation method and file the evaluation each year.
Keep copies of your filings and district confirmations.
When the program ends or you move counties, complete the appropriate termination and new-county registration steps.
Quick links for Florida homeschool families
You do not have to build your homeschool alone
Once the legal setup is handled, the bigger challenge is often building rhythm, community, and opportunities for your kids. Plant City Homeschool Collective exists to make that part easier with local classes, workshops, family events, and connections for homeschool families across the Plant City, Hillsborough, and Polk County area.
Whether you are brand-new to homeschooling or just looking for more local connection, explore Plant City Homeschool Collective and find the pieces that make sense for your family.
Last updated September 2026. This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Laws, scholarship rules, and district forms can change. Verify current requirements with the Florida Department of Education, your county Home Education office, HSLDA, Step Up For Students, or qualified legal counsel before filing.
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