Florida HSMV Form 72871 – Home Education Student Notice – If your Florida teen received a Notice of Intent to Suspend or Withhold Eligibility for a driver’s license due to school non-attendance, and you have since enrolled them in a home education program, Florida HSMV Form 72871 is the key document you need. Officially titled “Notification to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles – Student Compliance with Enrollment Requirements for a Home Education Program,” this form verifies that the student has been enrolled in a home-based education program for 30 consecutive days.
This guide explains what the form is, when it is required, how to complete and submit it, and how it connects to Florida’s home education and driving privilege laws. All information is based on official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and Florida Statutes sources current as of 2026.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 72871?
Florida HSMV Form 72871 is an official document issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It serves as verification that a minor who previously failed to meet school attendance requirements (and therefore faced suspension or withholding of driving privileges) has now complied by enrolling in a home education program for at least 30 consecutive days.
The form is specifically designed for students in a home education program under Florida Statute 1002.41. It is the home-education equivalent of Form HSMV 72870, which is used for traditional public or private school students.
Key details from the official form include fields for the student’s full legal name, mailing address, driver license or control number, gender, date of birth, Social Security number, school district name and number, school/institution name and number, date of completion, and an authorized signature that must be notarized or affixed with a school seal.
Purpose of HSMV Form 72871
Under Florida law, minors are not eligible for a learner’s permit or driver’s license unless they meet certain educational requirements. One of the primary requirements is enrollment and satisfactory attendance in a public school, nonpublic school, or home education program.
When a student under 18 accumulates 15 unexcused absences within a 90-calendar-day period, schools are required to report the student to FLHSMV. This can result in a Notice of Intent to Suspend or Withhold Eligibility for Licensure.
Form 72871 allows the student (or parent/guardian) to prove compliance after switching to a home education program. Once accepted, it enables the student to reinstate a suspended license or obtain eligibility for a new license. If the license has already been suspended, a $45 reinstatement fee is typically required when presenting the form at a driver license or tax collector’s office.
Important note: The completed form is only valid for 30 calendar days from the date it is signed.
When Is Form 72871 Required?
You will need Florida HSMV Form 72871 in these common situations:
- Your child received a Notice of Intent to Suspend/Withhold Eligibility for Licensure due to non-attendance.
- You have withdrawn the student from public or private school and properly registered a home education program with your county school district superintendent.
- The student has been enrolled in the home education program for 30 consecutive days.
- You need to reinstate a suspended driver’s license or obtain eligibility for a learner’s permit or driver’s license.
Simply filing a Notice of Intent to establish a home education program (required under Florida Statute 1002.41) is not enough for driving privilege purposes. The 30-day consecutive enrollment verification via Form 72871 is specifically required by FLHSMV.
How to Complete and Submit Florida HSMV Form 72871?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the official form from the FLHSMV website (link provided below).
- Fill in all required student information: Full legal name, mailing address, driver license/control number (if applicable), gender, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Enter district and school details: District name and number, plus the school/institution name and number associated with the home education program registration.
- Obtain an authorized signature: The form must be signed by an authorized school official. The signature must be either notarized or accompanied by an official school seal. Original signatures are required.
- Submit the form using one of these methods:
- Mail: DHSMV, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS#39, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0570
- Fax: (850) 617-5095
- Email: [email protected]
- If the license is already suspended, present the completed form in person at a Florida driver license office or tax collector’s office along with the $45 reinstatement fee.
Always keep a copy of the completed form for your records. Because the form expires 30 days after completion, submit it promptly.
Florida Laws Connecting Home Education and Driving Privileges
Two key Florida Statutes govern this process:
- Section 322.091, Florida Statutes – Establishes that a minor is not eligible for driving privileges unless enrolled in a public school, nonpublic school, or home education program and satisfying relevant attendance requirements. FLHSMV must suspend or withhold licenses when notified of noncompliance.
- Section 1002.41, Florida Statutes – Defines home education programs. Parents must file a written Notice of Intent with the district school superintendent within 30 days of establishing the program. The notice must include the child’s full legal name, address, and date of birth. Parents must also maintain a portfolio and submit an annual educational evaluation.
Home education satisfies compulsory attendance requirements under Florida law (ages 6–16). Once properly registered, a student is considered enrolled for driving privilege purposes after the 30-day verification period documented on Form 72871.
For official guidance on starting a home education program, consult your local school district’s home education office or the Florida Department of Education resources.
Download Official Florida HSMV Form 72871
Always use the most current official version of the form directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Download Florida HSMV Form 72871 (PDF):
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/72871.pdf
A Spanish-language version (Form HSMV 72836) is also available on the FLHSMV forms page for families who prefer it.
You can browse all current FLHSMV forms here: FLHSMV Official Forms.
Frequently Asked Questions About HSMV Form 72871
Is Form 72871 the same as the Notice of Intent to establish a home education program?
No. The Notice of Intent is filed with your county school district superintendent to legally establish the home education program. Form 72871 is a separate FLHSMV document used only for driver license eligibility/reinstatement after a truancy-related notice.
Who can sign Form 72871?
An authorized school official (typically connected to the district’s home education office). The signature must be notarized or bear an official school seal.
How long is the form valid?
Only 30 calendar days from the date it is completed.
What if my child’s license is already suspended?
Present the completed Form 72871 at a driver license or tax collector’s office and pay the $45 reinstatement fee.
Do I still need to meet annual home education requirements?
Yes. Maintaining a portfolio and submitting an annual educational evaluation remain required under Florida Statute 1002.41, regardless of driving privilege status.
Final Tips for Florida Families
Register your home education program properly with your county school district first. Wait until the student has completed 30 consecutive days of enrollment before requesting Form 72871. Submit the form promptly, and retain copies of all correspondence with both the school district and FLHSMV.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official FLHSMV website and Florida Statutes. Local school district home education coordinators can also provide county-specific guidance on obtaining the authorized signature for Form 72871.