Florida Homeschooling Trends 2025: Growth, School Choice, and Community Opportunities

Homeschooling in Florida is booming—up 46% in five years. Learn about 2025 trends, school choice programs (PEP, Step Up, VELA), co-ops, microschools, enrichment resources, and why homeschool expos connect families statewide.

Florida’s Homeschool Surge

Homeschooling in Florida is no longer a niche option. It has become one of the fastest-growing education choices in the country. Over the past five years, the number of homeschooled students in Florida has grown by 46 percent, with more than 155,000 students officially registered in the 2023–24 school year . That means one out of every sixteen K–12 students in the state is now learning at home, a record number that reflects both national and state-specific trends. Florida parents are increasingly drawn to homeschooling for reasons ranging from safety and flexibility to the desire for moral or religious instruction.

The state’s robust school choice environment, powered by the Personalized Education Program (PEP), Step Up for Students scholarships, and VELA microgrants, has played a significant role in fueling this surge. These programs not only make homeschooling financially feasible but also open the door for families to access resources and enrichment opportunities that rival or exceed those of traditional schools. Meanwhile, microschools, co-ops, and community-based learning initiatives are growing at an equally rapid pace, giving families new ways to combine personalized instruction with social opportunities.

This blog will explore the latest homeschooling trends in Florida in 2025, examining enrollment growth, family motivations, school choice programs, microschools and co-ops, statewide enrichment resources, criticisms and debates, and what the future may hold. It will conclude with why homeschool expos are becoming essential spaces for families to connect with the programs, providers, and communities that make homeschooling thrive.

The State of Homeschooling in Florida

The data on homeschooling growth in Florida tells a story of rapid change. In the 2017–18 school year, there were 89,817 students officially enrolled in home education programs. That number grew steadily to 106,115 by 2019–20, but the real surge came during the pandemic. In 2020–21, homeschooling jumped 35 percent, reaching nearly 143,000 students. The upward trend continued: by 2021–22, the state counted 152,109 students across more than 104,000 families . The most recent 2023–24 report confirms the highest total yet—155,532 students representing 114,239 families, a 46.6 percent increase compared to 2019–20 .

Some counties consistently report the largest homeschool populations. Hillsborough County leads with more than 10,500 students, followed closely by Duval with over 10,400 and Orange with nearly 9,500 . These numbers illustrate not only statewide growth but also regional demand, as families in both urban and suburban communities turn to home education.

This growth has placed Florida at the forefront of homeschooling in the United States. While other states also saw pandemic-era spikes, Florida’s continued climb shows that homeschooling is no longer just an emergency option—it is becoming a permanent and mainstream choice.

Why Families Are Choosing Homeschooling

The reasons families choose homeschooling are varied, but common themes emerge when parents are surveyed. One of the most consistent concerns is safety. National research from Pew indicates that 83 percent of homeschooling parents worry about the environment in public schools, including bullying, violence, drugs, and exposure to content they find inappropriate . Florida parents often echo these worries, pointing to classroom disruptions and dissatisfaction with discipline policies .

Another key motivator is the flexibility homeschooling provides. Parents are no longer tied to a standardized schedule or curriculum. Instead, they can design a program that meets their child’s unique needs, whether that means providing accelerated coursework for gifted students or more individualized support for children with dyslexia, ADHD, or autism. Homeschooling also allows families to focus on interests like STEM, the arts, or outdoor education in ways that traditional schools may not accommodate.

For many families, homeschooling is also about values. Roughly 75 percent of parents say they choose this path to provide moral instruction, and more than half specifically cite religious teaching as a reason . In a state where debates about curriculum and parental rights often make headlines, homeschooling gives families direct control over what their children learn.

Finally, homeschooling offers lifestyle freedom. Families can structure their days to allow for more family time, travel during the off-season, or participate in extracurricular activities that might otherwise conflict with school hours. The result is an education that not only serves academic goals but also supports family priorities and rhythms.

School Choice in Florida: PEP, Step Up, and VELA

One of the biggest reasons homeschooling has exploded in Florida is the state’s commitment to school choice. In 2023, House Bill 1 created the Personalized Education Program, or PEP, and expanded existing scholarship opportunities. Today, families can access a mix of funding options—PEP accounts, Step Up for Students programs, and VELA microgrants—that together make homeschooling more financially viable than ever.

The Personalized Education Program provides education savings accounts (ESAs) directly to homeschooling families. Award amounts typically range from $7,600 to over $11,000 per student depending on grade level and district . These funds can be used for a wide variety of approved expenses, including curriculum, textbooks, tutoring, therapies, extracurricular activities, technology, and educational field trips . The program is capped at 100,000 students for the 2025–26 school year, but that number is set to expand by 40,000 each year after . Demand is so high that applications often fill quickly.

Step Up for Students, a nonprofit organization, administers PEP along with other major scholarship programs such as the Family Empowerment Scholarship. It serves as the bridge between state funding and families, ensuring that funds are managed and distributed according to the law. For homeschooling parents, Step Up is often the first point of contact when navigating financial support options.

The VELA Education Fund adds another layer of opportunity. While not state-funded, VELA provides microgrants, usually between $2,500 and $10,000, to families, educators, and community groups who are creating learner-centered, innovative programs. In Florida, VELA has supported homeschool co-ops, microschools, and enrichment providers. Many families combine VELA grants with Step Up or PEP funds to build a comprehensive education budget that covers everything from curriculum to extracurriculars.

Together, these programs have transformed homeschooling in Florida. They have opened the door for families across income levels to design personalized education experiences and have made the state one of the most innovative markets for education choice in the nation.

Microschools and Homeschool Co-Ops in Florida

Parallel to the homeschooling boom, Florida has also seen a surge in microschools and co-ops. These models blend the independence of homeschooling with the structure and socialization of small-group learning.

Microschools are typically very small, often serving fewer than 15 students, and operate with flexible schedules and tailored curricula. In Sarasota, Curious and Kind Education, a forest-based microschool, grew from just 18 students in 2023 to more than 100 in 2025 and now maintains a waitlist . In South Florida, the Primer network operates 16 microschools and plans to open additional locations by utilizing church spaces made available through recent legislation . Another example is Permission to Succeed Education Center in Fort Lauderdale, which began with six students in 2020 and now serves 80, with plans to expand statewide .

Homeschool co-ops are parent-led groups that allow families to share teaching responsibilities and resources. They often meet once or twice a week for group classes, activities, and field trips. The Unschool Squad in Manatee County, launched by three mothers in 2024, enrolled 50 students within months and is transitioning into a nonprofit organization . Co-ops like these emphasize collaboration, life skills, and project-based learning, ensuring children receive both academic and social development.

Florida law has also made these models easier to establish. House Bill 1285, passed in 2024, allows private schools, charters, and microschools to rent or purchase spaces in community facilities such as libraries, museums, theaters, and churches . This change opens tens of thousands of new potential locations for alternative learning environments, fueling even faster growth.

Resources and Enrichment Opportunities for Florida Homeschool Families

A common misconception about homeschooling is that students lack access to enrichment opportunities. In Florida, the opposite is true. The state offers a wide range of programs, activities, and destinations that enrich the homeschool experience.

Museums and zoos across Florida host homeschool days, providing discounted admission and specialized programming. The Florida Aquarium, Brevard Zoo, and Kennedy Space Center all offer educational experiences tailored for homeschoolers, while historic sites in St. Augustine provide hands-on lessons in American history. Libraries in counties such as Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Pinellas run homeschool workshops, STEM days, and reading challenges that encourage both literacy and social connection.

Florida law also allows homeschool students to participate in public school sports, extracurricular activities, and clubs . This ensures that children learning at home can still join athletics teams, music programs, or academic competitions alongside their peers.

Field trip opportunities abound. From Everglades National Park to the state’s extensive network of parks and preserves, families can connect science lessons with real-world exploration. Educational tours at Castillo de San Marcos and other historic sites bring history to life in ways textbooks cannot.

In addition to in-person programs, virtual and hybrid options continue to grow. Families can enroll in online academies that provide courses in math, science, arts, or foreign language, and many participate in dual enrollment at local colleges to earn early college credits.

The breadth of enrichment available ensures that homeschooling in Florida is not an isolated experience but a rich, well-rounded education with ample opportunities for growth and exploration.

Criticisms and Debates

Despite its popularity, homeschooling in Florida is not without controversy. Critics argue that the expansion of education savings accounts and voucher programs could divert billions of dollars from public schools . The Florida Policy Institute has estimated that nearly $3.9 billion may be redirected, raising concerns about the long-term impact on public school budgets.

Oversight is another ongoing debate. Many microschools and co-ops are not accredited and may not employ certified teachers . While supporters argue that parents should have the freedom to choose what works best for their children, opponents worry about the quality and consistency of instruction.

Equity is also an issue. Families in urban areas may have access to numerous enrichment opportunities, while those in rural regions may face limited options. Policymakers and advocates continue to debate how to ensure equal access for all families, regardless of location or income.

Finally, the political landscape in Florida adds another layer. Issues such as book bans, curriculum restrictions, and parental rights laws often intersect with homeschooling, creating a highly charged environment. These debates will likely continue to shape how homeschooling evolves in the coming years.

The Future of Homeschooling in Florida

Looking ahead, homeschooling in Florida shows no signs of slowing down. With the PEP program set to expand enrollment caps each year and Step Up for Students continuing to administer scholarships, funding opportunities will only grow. Microschools and hybrid programs are expected to multiply, especially in suburban and urban areas where demand is highest.

Co-ops will likely play an even larger role as families seek balance between independence and community. Specialized microschools focused on STEM, the arts, or outdoor learning are predicted to flourish, giving families even more niche options. At the same time, the state will continue to face debates over regulation, funding, and accountability.

What is clear is that Florida will remain at the forefront of homeschooling nationally. Its combination of policy support, parental demand, and innovative educational models positions it as a leader in shaping what the future of learning looks like.

Homeschool Expos: Connecting Families, Resources, and Community

With homeschooling growing so rapidly, families need more than curriculum and funding—they need connection. That is where homeschool expos come in. These events bring together vendors, co-ops, tutors, microschools, and enrichment providers under one roof, offering families a one-stop opportunity to explore everything homeschooling has to offer.

At some expo, parents can learn how to navigate school choice programs like PEP, Step Up, and VELA. They can meet evaluators who guide families through annual requirements, discover extracurricular opportunities, and connect with local co-ops or microschools. Children benefit too, as they participate in hands-on activities, meet potential classmates, and see that homeschooling is part of a vibrant community.

Our Homeschool Expo events across Florida are designed to do just that—help families access resources, find inspiration, and join a supportive network. Whether you are new to homeschooling or an experienced parent looking to expand opportunities, attending an expo gives you access to tools and connections that make your homeschool journey easier and richer.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in Florida has grown by nearly 50 percent in just five years, fueled by school choice programs, parental demand, and innovative models like microschools and co-ops. Families are taking advantage of education savings accounts, enrichment programs, and community networks to create customized, dynamic learning experiences.

But homeschooling is not just about instruction—it is about building a network of support. That is why homeschool expos are so valuable. They bring together everything families need in one place, from curriculum providers and scholarship programs to enrichment opportunities and community partners.

As Florida continues to lead the nation in homeschooling, now is the perfect time to get involved. Join us at an upcoming Homeschool Expo to connect with resources, discover new opportunities, and be part of a thriving community shaping the future of education in the Sunshine State.

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