How Long Does Florida Have to Evaluate My Child for an IEP?

Use the free tool — IEP / 504 Letter Decoder

Why this letter feels confusing

Schools send evaluation consent forms, eligibility decisions, meeting notices, 504 plans, and prior written notices. They are written for lawyers and mailed to parents, with deadlines nobody explains. You are not the only one who reads it twice and still isn't sure what it means.

What Florida law actually requires

Evaluation and eligibility timelines for children with disabilities come from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 34 CFR Part 300), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, FERPA, and Florida Administrative Code chapter 6A-6. These laws set rules and deadlines, but timelines have exceptions. This guide does not list a specific number of days — that number needs to be confirmed against your own letter and your district's rules, not assumed from a general statement.

What your letter can trigger

Your right to give or withhold consent
Your right to request an independent educational evaluation (IEE)
Your right to participate in the meeting, including rescheduling it
Your right to an interpreter
Your right to see your child's records

Where to find your exact deadline

The procedural-safeguards notice your school district gave you — this is named as the authority on your timelines
The Florida Department of Education
Free expert help: Family Network on Disabilities and FDLRS

If a due-process matter is involved, consult a special-education attorney or advocate rather than relying on general information.

What to do next

The free IEP / 504 Letter Decoder reads the actual letter or notice you received — not a general example. Paste in the date, what it decides or proposes, any meeting date, and your concern in your own words. You get the letter explained in plain words, the rights it triggers, the deadlines computed from that letter's date, questions to ask, and a written request letter you can send. It works in English and Spanish, and it is free.

This tool explains IDEA, Section 504, and Florida Rule 6A-6 in plain words. It is not legal advice. It cannot see your child's records and does not send letters for you. Confirm dates and rules with your district's procedural-safeguards notice or the Florida Department of Education.

Use the free tool

IEP / 504 Letter Decoder is an informational tool based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (34 CFR Part 300), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, FERPA, and Florida Administrative Code chapter 6A-6 as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice, does not represent you, and does not send letters. Timelines have exceptions; the district's procedural-safeguards notice and the Florida Department of Education are the authority. It is not affiliated with any school district or agency.