I put together a practical, Sarasota-focused list that includes local groups, district resources, state/legal guidance, and places where homeschool families can take classes or enrichment.
Thought for 8s
Here are some useful homeschooling resources in Sarasota, Florida:
Local Sarasota / Sarasota-Manatee Resources
Sarasota County Schools — Home Education Office
This is the official place for Sarasota County homeschool paperwork, including the Notice of Intent, Notice of Termination, and annual evaluation information. Sarasota County notes that home education is parent-driven and that parents assume the educational responsibility.
Sarasota County Home Education Forms
Useful for parents who need the official Notice of Intent, Notice of Termination, and evaluation/assessment forms.
Learning and Families — Sarasota/Manatee Homeschool Support & Co-op
A local homeschool support community serving Sarasota and Manatee County families. They offer groups, events, opportunities, and co-op classes for preschool through high school.
Learning and Families Co-op Classes
Their co-op offers classes for pre-K through 12th-grade homeschool students and meets weekly in Bradenton, which is close enough for many Sarasota-area families.
S.H.A.R.E. Homeschool Support Group
Listed through the Florida Parent-Educators Association for Sarasota. It offers support, field trips, and social opportunities for homeschool students and families.
The Bridge Sarasota
A homeschool education program serving Florida homeschool families, with a small-group, personalized education model.
Thrive Communities — Sarasota Campus
A Sarasota homeschool drop-off program offering one or two days per week of hands-on, in-person classes for homeschool students.
The Happy Homeschooling Group of Sarasota & Manatee Counties
A local Facebook-based homeschool support group listed as serving Sarasota and Manatee families.
Libraries and Educational Enrichment
Sarasota County Libraries — Families and Educators Resources
The library system offers educational tools for families and educators, including ABCmouse access with a library card.
Sarasota County Libraries Digital Library
Includes ABCmouse, Brainfuse HelpNow for tutoring/homework help, and other digital learning tools.
Sarasota County Libraries Kids Zone
Good for reading logs, Beanstack reading challenges, story programs, and literacy activities.
Florida Homeschool Legal / Statewide Guidance
Florida Department of Education — Home Education
The official state source explaining Florida home education as a parent-directed educational option that satisfies compulsory school attendance.
Florida DOE Parent Home Education Resources
Good for understanding parent responsibilities under Florida’s home education statute.
Florida Parent-Educators Association
A strong statewide homeschool organization with legal, support group, convention, and resource information. Their requirements page explains Florida homeschool basics, including notice to the district and portfolio requirements.
HSLDA Florida Homeschool Law Page
Helpful legal overview of Florida homeschooling options, compulsory school ages, notification requirements, and assessment rules.
Good Enrichment Spots for Sarasota Homeschool Families
You may also want to connect with local educational venues for field trips, science days, reading activities, and group lessons:
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium — marine science and conservation learning.
The Ringling — art, history, circus history, and museum-based learning.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens — plant science, nature studies, and environmental learning.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens — animals, habitats, and nature-based field trips.
Sarasota County Parks and Recreation — outdoor education, nature walks, sports, and community activities.
For your ScottMBooks.com audience, I’d focus first on Learning and Families, S.H.A.R.E., Sarasota County Libraries, and the Happy Homeschooling Group, because those are most directly connected to homeschool parents looking for reading resources, activities, and local support.