If you're planning to homeschool in Florida, the very first legal step is filing a Letter of Intent (LOI) with your county school district. It sounds intimidating, but it's actually one of the simplest parts of the process — once you know what to do.
This guide walks you through exactly how to file your LOI in 2026, with specific details for Duval County (Jacksonville) and St. Johns County families.
What Is a Letter of Intent?
Under Florida Statute 1002.41, any parent who establishes a home education program must notify the superintendent of their local school district in writing within 30 days of beginning to homeschool. This written notification is your Letter of Intent.
The LOI is not an application — you don't need approval. Florida is a "notification" state, which means you're simply informing the district that your child will be educated at home. Once filed, you're legally homeschooling.
Key Point: You must file within 30 days of starting your homeschool program. There's no "homeschool season" — you can begin any time of year. If you pull your child mid-semester, the 30-day clock starts the day they leave their previous school.
What to Include in Your LOI
Florida law requires your Letter of Intent to contain:
- Parent's full legal name — the parent or legal guardian who will direct the home education program
- Home address — where the homeschool instruction will take place
- Child's full legal name — each child being homeschooled (file separately for each child)
- Child's date of birth
That's it. Florida does not require you to list your curriculum, teaching methods, or reasons for homeschooling in the LOI itself. Keep it simple and factual.
Step-by-Step: Filing Your LOI
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Determine Your County Your LOI goes to the superintendent of the county where you live — not where your child previously attended school. If you live in Jacksonville, that's Duval County. If you're in Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, or surrounding areas, that's St. Johns County.
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Write Your Letter Draft a simple letter that includes your name, address, your child's name, and date of birth. State that you intend to establish a home education program under Florida Statute 1002.41. One paragraph is enough.
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Submit to the District Send your letter to the appropriate school district office. Most districts accept email, mail, or in-person delivery. See the county-specific details below.
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Keep a Copy Always retain a copy of your submitted LOI and any confirmation receipt. This is your proof of compliance if questions ever arise.
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Begin Homeschooling Once your LOI is filed, you're legally authorized to homeschool. Start your program, maintain a portfolio of your child's work, and plan for the required annual evaluation.
County-Specific Details
| Detail | Duval County | St. Johns County |
|---|---|---|
| District | Duval County Public Schools | St. Johns County School District |
| Submission | Email, mail, or in-person | Email, mail, or in-person |
| Processing | Typically 5–10 business days | Typically 5–10 business days |
| Confirmation | Letter mailed to home address | Letter mailed to home address |
Annual Requirements After Filing
Filing the LOI is just the beginning. Florida homeschool law also requires:
- Maintain a portfolio — Keep a log of educational activities, samples of your child's work, and a list of materials used. You'll need this for your annual evaluation.
- Annual evaluation — Each year, your child must be evaluated by a certified Florida teacher, or you can use other approved methods (like a nationally standardized test). The student must demonstrate "educational progress commensurate with his or her ability."
- 180 instructional days — Florida doesn't mandate specific hours per day, but your program should cover approximately 180 days of instruction across the school year.
- Preserve records — Keep your portfolio for two years after the evaluation. If you decide to return your child to public school, submit a letter of termination to the district.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing Late
The 30-day deadline is firm. If you withdraw your child from school and wait three months to file, you could face truancy issues. File immediately — even before you've finalized your curriculum.
Filing with the Wrong County
Your LOI must go to your county of residence. If you recently moved from Duval to St. Johns, file with St. Johns even if your child was enrolled in a Duval school.
Overcomplicating the Letter
Some parents write pages explaining their educational philosophy. The district doesn't need that. Keep it short: names, address, date of birth, and your intent to homeschool under Florida law.
Let KineticEd Handle Your Paperwork
Don't want to deal with the filing yourself? KineticEd prepares and submits your Letter of Intent on your behalf — free for enrolled families.
File My LOI Free →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file a new LOI every year?
No. Your initial LOI remains valid as long as you continue homeschooling at the same address. However, if you move to a different county, you must file a new LOI with the new county superintendent.
Can I homeschool multiple children with one LOI?
Florida requires a separate notification for each child. You can include multiple children in a single letter, but make sure each child's name and date of birth are listed individually.
What if I want to stop homeschooling?
File a letter of termination with your county superintendent and enroll your child in a public or private school. Keep your portfolio records for at least two years after termination.
This guide is for informational purposes and reflects Florida homeschool law as of April 2026. For the most current requirements, consult Florida Statute 1002.41.