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Two states, side by side

Florida vs Massachusetts: Homeschool Laws Compared

Nine rules compared from each state's verified compliance data, then what changes for a family moving in either direction.

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The short answer

Florida and Massachusetts sit in the same tier: both require notice and a periodic assessment. They still differ on 4 of the 9 rules compared: required subjects, the portfolio, ESA funding, and public school sports access.

Rules compared
9
Differences
4
Same in both
5

The rules, side by side

Rows where the two states differ are marked. Tap a state name for its full guide, deadlines, and sources.

Rule Florida Massachusetts
Notice of intent Required, filed with the local school district Required, filed with the local school district
Hours or days per year No minimum No minimum
Required subjects Differs None named 11 named: reading, writing, english grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, music, united states history, citizenship, health, physical education
Testing or evaluation Parent's choice (testing, portfolio, or evaluation), annually Parent's choice (testing, portfolio, or evaluation), annually
Portfolio of work Differs Required Not required
Progress reports Once a year Once a year
Compulsory school ages 6-16 6-16
ESA or school choice funding Differs Florida Tax Credit Scholarship: Personalized Education Program (FTC-PEP) No program
Public school sports access Differs Yes District decides

Figures are the same verified compliance data shown on each state's page. Requirements change; confirm with your state before you rely on one.

Moving from Florida to Massachusetts

Once you are a Massachusetts resident you homeschool under Massachusetts's rules. These are the ones that change.

  1. Massachusetts names 11 required subjects (reading, writing, english grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, music, united states history, citizenship, health, physical education). Tag activities to them so a gap shows before the year ends.
  2. Massachusetts does not require a portfolio. Bring Florida's with you anyway; it is your proof of progress if a question ever comes up.
  3. Massachusetts has no ESA program. Florida's Florida Tax Credit Scholarship: Personalized Education Program (FTC-PEP) is for Florida residents, so budget without it.
  4. Can homeschoolers play public school sports? In Massachusetts the answer is district decides; in Florida it was yes.
How to start homeschooling in Massachusetts Moving to Massachusetts checklist Withdrawing in Florida Massachusetts letter of intent Florida withdrawal letter (free PDF)

Moving from Massachusetts to Florida

Once you are a Florida resident you homeschool under Florida's rules. These are the ones that change.

  1. Florida names no required subjects. Massachusetts's list is still a sensible course plan; it stops being a legal one.
  2. Keep a portfolio of dated work samples: Florida requires one and Massachusetts did not.
  3. Florida runs Florida Tax Credit Scholarship: Personalized Education Program (FTC-PEP). Check whether your family qualifies; Massachusetts had no comparable program.
  4. Can homeschoolers play public school sports? In Florida the answer is yes; in Massachusetts it was district decides.
How to start homeschooling in Florida Moving to Florida checklist Withdrawing in Massachusetts Florida letter of intent Massachusetts withdrawal letter (free PDF)

What stays the same

Florida and Massachusetts match on notice of intent, hours or days per year, testing or evaluation, progress reports, and compulsory school ages. Your habits on those carry over unchanged.

Do your records transfer?

Neither Florida nor Massachusetts takes homeschool records from another state, and there is no transfer process between them. You keep your own: the hours or attendance log, work samples, and any grades or transcripts. Those are what the new state, and later a college, may ask to see. Homeschool Fox keeps them in one account that moves with your family.

Homeschool record keeping guide How to withdraw from public school

Sourced from each state's own published requirements. See the sources and verification dates on the Florida page and the Massachusetts page.

Homeschool Fox is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Confirm details with your state or a qualified advisor.

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