Attorney at Law
Yes. Florida parents can homeschool a child with special needs, including a child who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP). State law provides several homeschooling options, and some families may qualify for scholarship funding to help cover educational expenses.
Can I Get Paid to Homeschool My Special Needs Child?
Florida does not generally pay parents a salary to homeschool their child.
However, eligible families may receive funding through Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), which is distributed through an Education Savings Account (ESA) that can be used for approved educational expenses.
For the 2025-26 school year, many students receive scholarship awards of approximately $10,000 per year, although award amounts vary based on factors such as the student’s county of residence, grade level, and level of need. Students who qualify for higher levels of support may receive substantially larger awards. Scholarship funds may be used for curriculum, tutoring, therapies, assistive technology, specialized educational services, and other approved educational expenses.
FES-UA Eligibility Checklist
A child may qualify for FES-UA if they:
- Are a Florida resident.
- Are between age 3 and grade 12, or eligible through age 22 in certain circumstances.
- Have a qualifying disability or meet another eligibility category recognized under the FES-UA program.
- Meet the program’s application and documentation requirements.
- There is no household income cap for FES-UA eligibility.
Qualifying disabilities may include autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, spina bifida, Prader-Willi syndrome, Williams syndrome, and certain other conditions recognized under Florida law.
Three Ways to Homeschool in Florida
Florida provides several options for families who want to educate their children outside a traditional public school setting.
Home Education Program
Many parents establish a home education program under Florida law. Parents direct the instruction, maintain records, and complete annual evaluations. Florida does not require parents operating a home education program to hold a teaching certificate.
Private Umbrella School
Some families enroll through a private school while continuing instruction at home. This option may reduce certain reporting requirements and provide additional educational support.
Private Tutor Program
Florida also allows students to satisfy attendance requirements through a private tutoring program. The tutor must hold a valid Florida teaching certificate for the grades or subjects being taught.
Can I Homeschool My Child With an IEP in Florida?
Yes. Parents can homeschool a child with an IEP in Florida.
Many families worry that choosing homeschooling means giving up access to special education services. While an IEP is developed for students enrolled in public schools under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), homeschooling does not automatically eliminate every form of support available through the school district.
When a child leaves a public school to homeschool, the IEP itself does not follow the student in the same way it would within a public school setting. However, homeschooled students may still have access to certain evaluations, testing, and services through their local school district, depending on the student’s circumstances and the district’s programs.
For many families, an existing IEP continues to serve as a useful guide for educational goals, accommodations, therapies, and support strategies. Parents can use that information to build a homeschool program that addresses their child’s unique learning needs while also exploring services that may be available through the district.
How Do You Homeschool a Child With Special Needs?
Every child learns differently. What works for one student may not work for another.
Parents often begin by identifying their child’s strengths, challenges, learning style, and therapeutic needs. Reviewing existing evaluations, IEPs, and therapy recommendations can help parents build a program that addresses both academic and developmental goals.
Depending on your child’s needs, a homeschool program may include:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Assistive technology
- Modified curriculum
- Behavioral supports
- Specialized reading or math instruction
Many families combine educational instruction with outside providers, tutors, therapists, and support programs funded through FES-UA.
Need Help Understanding Your Child’s Educational Rights?
Homeschooling can provide flexibility and individualized instruction for many children with special needs. At the same time, questions about IEPs, scholarship funding, evaluations, and educational rights can become complicated.
At Tupper Law, we help Florida families understand their educational options and advocate for the services their children need. If you are considering homeschooling a child with special needs or have questions about IEP services, evaluations, or FES-UA eligibility, contact us to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I homeschool my special needs child?
Start by selecting a Florida homeschooling option, evaluating your child’s educational needs, and creating a learning plan that incorporates appropriate curriculum, therapies, and support services. Many families use FES-UA funding to help pay for approved educational expenses.
Can I get paid to stay home with my child with autism?
Florida generally does not provide direct compensation to parents for homeschooling. However, eligible students with autism may qualify for FES-UA funding that can help cover approved educational and therapeutic services.
What is the Tim Tebow Law for homeschooling?
The “Tim Tebow Law” (also known as the Craig Dickinson Act) refers to Florida legislation that allows homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities at their local public schools, including sports, even though they are not enrolled as full-time public school students.