Office of Independent Education & Parental Choice
Detailed Requirements for Private Schools
A Checklist for Private Schools (PDF) has been created for new and existing private schools as a resource.
The links below provide more detailed information about the requirements for private schools:
- Annual Private School Survey: A private school must register with the Department and annually complete the private school survey. s. 1002.42(2)(b), F.S.
- Fingerprint card filed with FDLE: Each owner of a private school is required to submit fingerprints to the FDLE for a criminal records check. s. 1002.42(2)(c)(1), F.S.
- Retention of records: Private schools that become defunct are required to
transfer all permanent information included in student records to the public school
district.
s. 1002.42(3), F.S.
- Permanent Information: Includes verified information of clear educational importance including the student's full name, date of birth, place of birth, race, sex, last known address, names of parents, name and location of last school attended, number of days present and absent, date enrolled, date withdrawn, course taken and record of achievement, and date of graduation or program achievement. s. 1002.42(3)(a)2.a., F.S.
- Temporary Information Includes verified information subject to change, containing, but not limited to: health information, standardized test scores, honors and activities, personal attributes, work experience, teacher and counselor comments, and special reports. s. 1002.42(3)(a)2.b., F.S.
- Attendance Records and Reports: Private schools are required to keep and
prepare certain attendance records for compulsory attendance purposes.
ss. 1002.42(4) and
1003.23(2), F.S.
- Rule 6A-1.09512, F.A.C. - in order to meet the compulsory attendance requirements, a child must maintain regular attendance for a minimum of 170 actual school days with the required instructional hours as determined by grade level
- School Entry Health Examinations: ss. 1002.42(5) and 1003.22(1) and (2), F.S. state that private schools must maintain certain student health examination documentation.
- Immunizations:
ss. 1002.42(6) and
1003.22(3)-(11), F.S.
- Private schools must maintain a Florida Certification of Immunization for each child. This form is not available to the public and must be completed by a Florida physician or a Florida county health department. Information on Department of Health Form DH 680
- Private schools who enroll kindergarten or 7th grade students must complete an Immunization Annual Report of Compliance for Kindergarten and Seventh Grades. This form is available at Florida county health departments (Department of Health Form DH 684).
- Private School Inspection Report: Private schools are required to meet certain standards of sanitation and safety. s. 381.006(6), F.S. and Department of Health Rule 6A-2.0040
- Drinking Water System Sanitation Survey & Inspection Report:
- If a school facility possesses a well that serves 1 to 25 people, the school must have a current and acceptable Limited-Use Public/Private Drinking Water System Sanitation Survey & Inspection Report in accordance with State Department of Health Rule 64E-8, F.A.C.
- If a school facility possesses a well that serves more than 25 people, the school must work with the local Department of Environmental Protection to meet their compliance regulations and receive a Public Water System ID in accordance with State Department of Environmental Protection Rule 62-550, F.A.C.
- Food Service Inspection Report: s. 381.0072, F.S. - A food service inspection report is required if the school facility stores, prepares, or serves food to students.
- Mandatory Measurements Nonresidential Radon Measurement Report: All private school buildings housing students in kindergarten through grade 12 are required to have measurements taken to determine the level of indoor radon. s. 404.056, F.S. and Department of Health Rule 64E-5, F.A.C.
- Fire Code Inspection and Compliance Report: Existing educational facilities are required to have fire safety inspections. State Financial Services Rule 69A-60, F.A.C.