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Two states, side by side

Florida vs Texas: 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 is the more regulated of the two: it requires notice and a periodic assessment, while Texas requires no notice to homeschool. They differ on 6 of the 9 rules compared: notice of intent, required subjects, testing or evaluation, the portfolio, compulsory school ages, and public school sports access.

Rules compared
9
Differences
6
Same in both
3

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 Texas
Notice of intent Differs Required, filed with the local school district Not required
Hours or days per year No minimum No minimum
Required subjects Differs None named 5 named: reading, spelling, grammar, math, good citizenship
Testing or evaluation Differs Parent's choice (testing, portfolio, or evaluation), annually None
Portfolio of work Differs Required Not required
Progress reports Once a year None
Compulsory school ages Differs 6-16 6-19
ESA or school choice funding Florida Tax Credit Scholarship: Personalized Education Program (FTC-PEP) Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) (up to $2,000)
Public school sports access Differs Yes Yes, with conditions

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 Texas

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

  1. There is no notice to file in Texas. Before you leave, send Florida's district a short withdrawal note so its attendance record closes.
  2. Texas names 5 required subjects (reading, spelling, grammar, math, good citizenship). Tag activities to them so a gap shows before the year ends.
  3. Texas requires no testing or evaluation. Keep Florida's past results with your records; colleges may still ask for them.
  4. Texas does not require a portfolio. Bring Florida's with you anyway; it is your proof of progress if a question ever comes up.
  5. Compulsory school ages are 6-19 in Texas against 6-16 in Florida, so check whether your youngest or oldest is now inside or outside the rule.
  6. Can homeschoolers play public school sports? In Texas the answer is yes, with conditions; in Florida it was yes.
How to start homeschooling in Texas Moving to Texas checklist Withdrawing in Florida Florida withdrawal letter (free PDF)

Moving from Texas to Florida

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

  1. File a notice of intent with the local school district once you are a Florida resident. Texas did not ask for one, so this is new paperwork.
  2. Florida names no required subjects. Texas's list is still a sensible course plan; it stops being a legal one.
  3. Florida requires parent's choice (testing, portfolio, or evaluation), annually. Texas had no assessment rule, so plan for it in your first year.
  4. Keep a portfolio of dated work samples: Florida requires one and Texas did not.
  5. Compulsory school ages are 6-16 in Florida against 6-19 in Texas, so check whether your youngest or oldest is now inside or outside the rule.
  6. Can homeschoolers play public school sports? In Florida the answer is yes; in Texas it was yes, with conditions.
How to start homeschooling in Florida Moving to Florida checklist Withdrawing in Texas Florida letter of intent Texas withdrawal letter (free PDF)

What stays the same

Florida and Texas match on hours or days per year, progress reports, and ESA funding. Your habits on those carry over unchanged.

Do your records transfer?

Neither Florida nor Texas 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 Texas 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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