Florida Kindergarten Age Cutoff — Plus Preschool & TK (2026–2027)
In Florida, a child must turn 5 by September 1 to start kindergarten that fall. Florida does not have a statewide Transitional Kindergarten grade; children go from preschool/pre-K to kindergarten. Florida's public pre-K program, Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), is open to all 4-year-olds (age 4 by September 1 — free to all Florida 4-year-olds).
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by September 1 |
|---|---|
| Transitional Kindergarten | Not offered statewide |
| Public pre-K | Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) — universal (age 4) |
| Compulsory school age | 6 |
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Florida age cutoffs — the details
Kindergarten and TK cutoffs are set by state law; preschool has no legal age cutoff because it is private. Cutoff verified from the official Florida source. Always confirm the current date with your school or district — rules can change year to year.
Preschools in Florida
Kindergarten cutoffs in nearby states
Cutoff dates differ across the South Atlantic — a birthday that misses the cutoff in one state can make it in another.