Homeschool benefits and savings in Seminole County

Scholarship Seminole pays 50% of eligible Parks and Recreation camp or program costs for qualifying families. The county lists Winter Break Eco Camp at $135, so a 50% award would leave $67.50 in base camp fees for your child.

By Andrew Garber, founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed August 25, 2026.

Who qualifies

1. Meets scholarship eligibility

   The county newsletter calls this assistance for qualifying families but does not publish the income threshold, residency rule or required documents. Ask county Parks and Recreation for the current Scholarship Seminole application requirements.

2. Meets the activity’s age rules

   Winter Break Eco Camp is for children ages 7-12. Other programs can have different age requirements.

3. Uses an eligible recreation program

   The newsletter describes scholarships for any Parks and Recreation camp or program. It does not state a school-enrollment requirement or a separate homeschool restriction.

What it is worth

The 2026 county newsletter lists a 50% scholarship; the current Eco Camp page lists $135 camp fees and a separate $15 extended-care charge.

Winter Break Eco Camp base fee

$135 for December 28-31, 2026

50% award on that base fee

$67.50 covered

Family share of that base fee

$67.50 with approved 50% aid

Optional extended care

$15 extra per week before any aid determination

Another county environmental education page still lists $132 per week; the season-specific Eco Camp page lists $135, which is the rate used here.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before registering

   Request scholarship requirements

   Contact county recreation staff for Scholarship Seminole eligibility, documentation and application instructions.

2. When choosing a program

   Confirm the award applies

   Ask staff to confirm the scholarship for your selected camp and whether it also discounts extended care.

3. When registration is available

   Register for the activity

   The county directs Eco Camp registration to recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov. Its winter camp runs December 28-31, 2026.

4. Before camp

   Prepare your child’s supplies

   Eco Camp instructions ask for lunch, snacks, a water bottle and closed-toe lace-up or Velcro shoes; refrigeration and microwaves are not provided.

What it discounts

Discounted costs

• Eligible Parks and Recreation camp fees
• Eligible recreation program fees

Who to contact

Natural Lands staff answer Eco Camp questions and can direct you to Scholarship Seminole eligibility and application help.

nswanson@seminolecountyfl.gov 407-665-2211

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Florida

You must file the initial written notice with the county superintendent within 30 days of starting. You must file a termination notice and the annual evaluation within 30 days of ending the program.

Florida sets these rules:

• Subjects: Parent-directed instruction; Florida law does not prescribe a specific curriculum for a home education program.
• Testing: Provide an annual educational evaluation using one statutory method; a portfolio review is one option, and an alternate method requires agreement with the district superintendent.
• Records: Keep a portfolio with an activities log made as instruction occurs, reading-material titles, and work samples. Preserve it for two years and make it available for inspection on 15 days’ written notice.
• Teachers: Florida does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.

Florida also has two education savings accounts that home-educated students can use.

• The Personalized Education Program funds a Florida K-12 student's approved education costs through a scholarship organization, with income and priority rules. It is separate from registering a home education program with your district.
• The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities funds approved education and disability costs for a student with a qualifying disability, including one in a registered home education program. The award depends on the disability and its services.

Read the Florida homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Florida

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