We’re Moving to Florida!

I never thought I’d be saying these words (again) but…we’re moving to Florida! One of the perks of homeschooling is not being tied down to a school system so, when my family and I found out about the opportunity to move to Florida, we decided to go for it!

Oddly enough, my husband and I were saying the words “we’re moving to Florida” just over 15 years ago. Right after we got married, we made the decision to move from New Jersey to Florida. While we enjoyed our time spent in the Sunshine State, we ended up moving right back up to New Jersey about 5 years later. Wild, right?

Now, we’re taking the plunge again! After moving to Georgia less than 2 years ago, we’re ready to leave peaches behind for sunshine!

Not really, I mean – we can find peaches in the supermarket but…can we find sunshine there? Nope!

How are we figuring out the homeschool laws of Florida? What are we looking forward to doing in Florida? Where will we settle down in the “Free State of Florida?” Let’s chat a bit, shall we?

Homeschooling in Florida

At this point, we’ve experienced a variety of state homeschool laws. New Jersey homeschool laws were nearly non-existent – offering a super-relaxed approach to education with the sole “rule” to provide and education academically “equivalent” to what he or she would receive at school. Homeschooling in Georgia was slightly more structured, requiring a yearly declaration of intent be submitted to the state, a minimum of 180 learning days, and more.

While both New Jersey and Georgia offered one option for homeschooling, Florida offers three. Figuring out how to homeschool in Florida has been a bit overwhelming, what with all the options, but I’ve been utilizing a number of Facebook Groups and websites to help make sense of it all:

• Sunshine State Homeschoolers: while this group covers the entire (huge) state of Florida, it’s been a great way to find events & homeschool get-togethers…and you know I’m all about that!
• Florida Homeschoolers: larger than the previously mentioned group, this is another group that’s been helpful for finding events & resources for homeschooling in Florida
• Florida Homeschool Events: so many homeschooling events throughout the state of Florida!
• PEP Parent Advocacy Group: hot topic, I know, but Florida offers a number of scholarships for homeschoolers. This group helps parents figure out the PEP scholarship.
• Florida Unschoolers (Umbrella School): one of the options for homeschooling in Florida is to educated under/within an umbrella school. The Florida Unschoolers is one example of an Umbrella School.
• Florida Department of Education
• FPEA: The Florida Parent Educators Association hosts an annual homeschool conference for Florida homeschoolers in addition to a local group directory, online & in-person resources, discount codes, & more.
  

What We’re Looking Forward to in Florida

There are SO many things we’re looking forward to doing after moving to Florida! Our main reason for moving to Florida, though?? Quality of life.

I’m super excited for my husband to finally have a short commute to work! Nearly the entire time we’ve been married, he’s had at least a 45 minute drive to and from work every day. After moving to Florida, his commute will be significantly shorter, allowing him more time to spend with the family!

Speaking of family, we’re super excited to be moving closer to family! My parents will be a short car-ride away, so we’re all looking forward to more time with them.

What else am I looking forward to after moving to Florida? Well, things like:

• being closer to the water: the beach is one of my happy places and I’m especially thrilled to be a short drive away from the ocean.
• sunshine!: I enjoy a day or two of snow or overcast weather, but…sunshine makes me a happier person.
• manatees!: after we move, we should be mere minutes away from state parks with natural springs…and manatees!
• theme parks: I know many may frown on this, but I’m really looking forward to going to the parks more often with my boys! Think of it: quick visits to the parks after finishing up our Miacademy lessons?? Oh yes!
• Wawa: I’ll always be a Jersey Girl through and through so having hoagies nearby is definitely a plus for me!
• warmer weather: I really thought we’d have more warm weather in Georgia than we actually did, but nope! I’m really looking forward to going exploring with the boys and not having to be cooped up inside the house during freezing temps.
• homeschool population: there are SO many homeschoolers in Florida! We’re so looking forward to finding “our people” and making some great friends
• going on more cruises!: because “HELLO” Florida resident discount! We love going on cruises and are really looking forward to being closer to the cruise ports & taking advantage of the special pricing.

I could go on and on!

Our New Adventure in Florida!

Just in case you’ve been on my social media accounts and have noticed they’ve been a little quiet…don’t worry! I’ve just been over here trying to catch a breath in between getting the house listed, figuring out all the homeschool stuff in Florida, and such. It’ll quiet down soon, but it’s all just a little overwhelming at the moment.

I can’t wait to share our Florida adventures with you on the blog and on social media. Keep an eye out!

What about you? Do you live in Florida? Have you visited Florida recently? Any places we definitely need to check out in our new home state? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time, stay safe and enjoy quality time with family,