Is it illegal to not send your child to school in Florida?

Florida Law (Section 1003.21, Florida Statutes) states that all children who are either six years of age, who will be six years old by February 1 of any school year, or who are older than six years of age but who have not attained the age of 16 years, must attend school regularly during the entire school term.

What happens if I don't send my child to school in Florida?

Under Section 1003.26 of the Florida State Statute, truancy is defined as a juvenile offense that can be charged to anyone under the age of 16 who fails to attend school on a regular basis. Parents of truant students can also be held responsible under Section 1003.27 of the Florida State Statute.

What happens if you don't go to school in Florida?

Teens under 18 that skip school can have their learners permit or drivers license suspended. A Florida teen under the age of 18 cannot miss more than 15 days of school with unexcused absences within a 90 day period or their learners permit or drivers license or driving privilege will be suspended indefinitely.

Is school mandatory in Florida?

All children who have attained the age of 6 years or who will have attained the age of 6 years by February 1 of any school year or who are older than 6 years of age but who have not attained the age of 16 years, except as otherwise provided, are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term.

What happens if parents don't send their child to school?

If prosecutors think the parents are not making an effort to get their child to school, criminal charges could be brought under Penal Code 270.1a PC – failing to supervise a child's school attendance. Misdemeanor convictions carry up to: 1 year of county jail time, and. $2,500 in fines.

Immigration laws affect kids going back to school

Do your parents have to send you to school?

Educational attendance is mandatory through 18 in the US (there are a few exceptions but in general); but parents have the option to homeschool rather than attend public schools (amongst other options).

What does it mean to unschool kids?

What Is Unschooling? Unschooling is a style of home education that allows the student's interests and curiosities to drive the path of learning. Rather than using a defined curriculum, unschoolers trust children to gain knowledge organically.

What are the homeschool laws in Florida?

Homeschool statute: Parents must provide one-time notice to the local superintendent, maintain a portfolio of their children's work, and have their children assessed annually (by standardized test or portfolio evaluation). There are no parent qualification, hours of instruction, or subject requirements.

What is the statute of truancy in Florida?

1003.26(1)(b), or has had more than 15 unexcused absences in a 90-calendar-day period, the superintendent of schools or his or her designee may file a truancy petition. (2) The petition shall be filed in the circuit in which the student is enrolled in school.

What is the statute of parental rights in education in Florida?

CS/CS/HB 1557 — Parental Rights in Education

reinforces a parent's fundamental right to make decisions regarding the care and upbringing of his or her child in the public school setting.

What happens if my child never goes to school?

The adult a child lives with is responsible for making sure that child goes to school. So if your child lives with you, this means you! If you don't make sure your child attends school regularly, you may be brought to court on a civil violation. The school must follow certain procedures first.

How many absences are allowed in Florida?

Students who accumulate 15 or more unexcused absences in any 90 calendar day period, or who have dropped out of school are electronically reported to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for license suspension or revocation.

Can I call the police if my child refuses to go to school Florida?

You can call the police if your child refuses to go to school. If they are in a public place, the police can take them back to school. However, if your child is at home, the police can just talk to your child and encourage them to go to school.

Can a parent go to jail for a child not going to school in Florida?

Under Section 1003.27 of the Florida Statutes, a parent who refuses or fails to have a minor student who is under their control attend school regularly, or who refuses or fails to comply with the requirements established by the school district, commits a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment up to 60 ...

Is unschooling legal in Florida?

Yes! Unschooling is perfectly legal in Florida. The state makes no requirements in terms of materials or methods used, so if you want to take the student-led unschooling approach, you are free to do so.

Can I homeschool my child in Florida?

Home Education is a parent-directed educational option that satisfies the requirement for regular school attendance enshrined in the Florida Statutes since 1985. Parents have the freedom to determine their child's educational path and the plan for reaching their goals.

How many absences before truancy in Florida?

1003.26(1)(b), or has had more than 15 unexcused absences in a 90-calendar-day period, the superintendent of schools or his or her designee may file a truancy petition.

What happens if you miss more than 10 days of school in Florida?

Florida law requires schools to follow certain procedures when students miss school without a valid excuse: After each unexcused absence, the principal will contact the parent. After five unexcused absences in a month (or 10 within a 90-day period), the principal will refer the case to the school's child study team.

Can the Florida Department of Transportation suspend your license due to school attendance?

Teens must be in compliance with school attendance, or they will be ineligible to obtain or maintain their license. If not in compliance with school attendance, a teen's driving privilege can be suspended until proof of attendance in school for 30 consecutive days has been provided.

How do I prove homeschooling in Florida?

There is no diploma issued by the public school system in Florida for the completion of a home education program. A signed affidavit of completion (notarized letter) submitted by the student's parent attesting that the student has completed a home education program, pursuant to the requirements of s.

What is unschooling in Florida?

Unschooling is an educational philosophy that relies on a child's innate curiosity and desire to learn. In families that practice unschooling, students do not attend school and do not follow any set homeschool curriculum.

How many hours a day is required for homeschooling in Florida?

Attendance. For homeschool statute families, there are no restrictions on how many days or hours you need to homeschool, as long as you keep track of them.

Do unschoolers go to college?

Unschoolers are a diverse group of teens who may be attracted to a wide variety of college options. It is possible to unschool for high school and still be a competitive candidate for a top college.

Can unschooled kids be successful?

Will my kid be successful in life if they don't attend school? In another survey from Dr. Gray, over 83% of adults who unschooled went on to pursue some amount of higher education. Many of these grown unschoolers went into Bachelor programs, having little to no trouble with college admissions.

What does a day of unschooling look like?

Sometimes people suggest that an unschooling day is like a day in the summer - filled with potential for daydreams, explorations, and discovery. Or a Saturday morning filled with the hustle and bustle of everyone being together. Your home may have both... some days calmer, other days busy.