Homeschool portfolio in Florida: the log, the samples, the review
Florida's portfolio is short to describe and easy to keep, if you start it on the first day.
Under section 1002.41 of the Florida Statutes, a home education portfolio is a log of educational activities, made at the time of instruction, that names the reading materials used, plus samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials. The parent decides what goes in, keeps it for 2 years, and shows it to the superintendent only if asked with 15 days' written notice.
Checked October 27, 2026.
This is a plain-words summary, not legal advice. Laws change: check your state's current law and its education department before you act.
What has to be in a Florida portfolio?
Two things, in the words of section 1002.41 as Peabody's Florida page quotes it (checked October 27, 2026):
- A log of educational activities, made at the time of instruction, that designates by title any reading materials used.
- Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials used or developed by the student.
Who decides what goes in?
You do. The statute says the parent determines the content of the portfolio. There is no list of subjects in the home education law, and a district may not ask for more paperwork than the statute lists unless it is needed for a district program or service your child joins.
How long do I keep it, and who can see it?
Keep it for 2 years. The district superintendent, or the superintendent's agent, may ask to inspect it with 15 days' written notice. The law does not require an inspection, so many families are never asked; keep it ready anyway.
How is the yearly evaluation different from the portfolio?
The portfolio is what you keep. The evaluation is what you file: once a year you arrange an educational evaluation and send a copy to the superintendent's office. You pick the method:
- A Florida-certified teacher reviews the portfolio and talks with the student.
- Any nationally normed achievement test, given by a certified teacher.
- The state test the district uses, given by a certified teacher.
- An evaluation by a licensed psychologist.
- Another valid tool agreed with the superintendent.
What does a simple Florida log look like?
| Date | What we did | Reading used |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 14 Sept | Math: two-digit subtraction. Writing: a letter to Grandma. | A library picture book (title written in) |
| Tue 15 Sept | Science: seed jars. Read aloud. | A seed book from the library (title written in) |
| Wed 16 Sept | Library trip. Math game. | Three picture books, each title listed |
What if I take the PEP scholarship instead?
Florida's Personalized Education Program is a different legal status. A student in a home education program is not eligible, and a family that was homeschooling must end that status with the district. See the Florida money page before you decide.
Keep it in the Record Book
Peabody's attendance record and reading log cover the dated log; the portfolio builder keeps each sample with its date, subject and photos on your device, and prints in date order or by subject. If you choose the teacher's portfolio review, the evaluation pack prints the whole year in one packet.
Sources
- Florida Statutes 1002.41, Home education programs (legislature) (checked October 27, 2026)
- Florida Statutes 1003.21, School attendance (legislature) (checked October 27, 2026)
- Florida Statutes 1002.01, Definitions (legislature) (checked October 27, 2026)
- Florida Statutes 1002.395, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (legislature) (checked October 27, 2026)
- Step Up For Students: 2026–27 scholarship amounts by district (PDF) (checked October 27, 2026)
- Step Up For Students (Florida scholarship-funding organization): Personalized Education Program (checked October 27, 2026)
- Step Up For Students: PEP family handbook (checked October 27, 2026)
- Step Up For Students: become a service provider (checked October 27, 2026)
- Step Up For Students: vendors (checked October 27, 2026)