When can a child legally leave home in Florida?

Asked by: Prof. Henry Kling  |  Last update: July 23, 2025
Score: 5/5 (57 votes)

Below are some general guidelines to follow when considering the age range where you can leave children alone at home: The legal age in Florida is 18, which means a teenager cannot leave the house until then without a parent`s permission.

When can a child legally move out in Florida?

Minors are automatically emancipated when they reach 18 years of age or marry.

Can you drop out at 17 without parental consent in Florida?

Florida is just one of 15 states that do not require a parent's permission to drop out of school at age 16.

Can you move out at 16 without parental consent?

In the United States, the minimum age to legally move out without parental consent is typically 18. This is because 18 is the age of majority in most states, signifying that an individual is considered an adult for most legal purposes, including the right to decide where to live.

What is the legal age for a child to be left alone in Florida?

Florida: No specific age

There is no age stated in Florida Statute at which a child can be left unattended or alone.”

What are the laws about leaving your children home alone?

17 related questions found

At what age does a child need their own room legally in Florida?

12. Children over the age of twelve months shall not share a bedroom with an adult. The only exception to this would be if one of the children sharing a bedroom reaches his or her eighteenth birthday and the out-of-home caregiver and the supervising agency approve this sleeping arrangement.

What is the youngest age to leave a child alone?

An American Academy of Pediatrics survey found a majority of social workers surveyed believe children should be at least 12 before being left home alone. The same survey found those same social workers would consider a home-alone scenario as neglect if a child is injured while left unsupervised.

What can I do if my 16 year old refuses to come home?

These include:
  1. Use a graduated system to rectify the situation.
  2. Open up a reasonable line of communication with the noncustodial parent.
  3. Ascertain why the teen does not want to come home.
  4. Consider the age of the teen and the possibility for a change.
  5. Involve law enforcement.
  6. Seek a court order.
  7. Seek legal assistance.

Can I stop living with my parents at 16?

In most U.S. states, that age is 16, though for some it can be as young as 14. You will need to have your parent or guardian agree to your emancipation decision, as they will likely have to sign consent forms later on.

Can your parents force you to live with them at 17?

If you are 17, and are not emancipated, your parents would have to agree to you living away from them. They are still responsible for you.

Can my parents stop me from dropping out at 17?

Truancy is a legal offense that may have many serious ramifications for you and your parents or legal guardian(s). Therefore, if you want to drop out of high school before your 18th birthday, you need to get your parent's permission.

How late can a 17 year old be out in Florida?

(1)(a) A minor may not be or remain in a public place or establishment between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day, Sunday through Thursday, except in the case of a legal holiday.

What happens if you don't send your child to school in Florida?

This mandate is outlined under Florida Statutes § 1003.21, which specifies that all children between the ages of six and 16 must attend school. Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to truancy issues and, in more severe cases, child neglect charges.

Can a 16 year old decide where to live?

In California, children cannot choose where to live until they are 18 years old, but their preferences may be taken into account in custody decisions. If a child is 14 years or older, the court must listen to their opinion regarding where they would like to live unless it is deemed not in their best interest.

How much does it cost to get emancipated in Florida?

A petition must be filed by the minor's natural or legal guardian, or if there is none, by a guardian ad litem. Emancipation of a Minor and file it with the Clerk; cost is $301.00.

At what age can a child decide not to see a parent in Florida?

Florida is like most other states in the union in that a child does not automatically gain the right to refuse visitation with a parent until they reach the age of majority, which is eighteen. A child must abide by all Court orders, regarding visitation, until that time.

Can I call the police if my child refuses to come home?

Is it possible to call the police on your own child if they run away and refuse to come home? What actions can the police take in this situation? Your child is a run away, call it in as such. If you know where they are let the police know as well, it's against the law to harbor a run away.

What if my 17 year old wants to move out?

Most 17 year olds have the means to move out, but it is not actually legal to do so without becoming emancipated. At the age of 17, your parents or legal guardians are still responsible for you and have to pay your expenses and provide you with accommodation.

Can my parents check my phone at 16?

While parents certainly differ in their opinions about this question, legally speaking, it is not child abuse for a parent to look through a child's phone.

What happens if my 16 year old refuses to go to school?

The first step is talking to the teen to understand why they resist going to school. Next, discuss possible solutions with school administrators and guidance counselors. An assessment with a mental health professional can identify underlying issues like anxiety or depression.

What to do if a 16 year old runs away from home?

POLICE RESPONSE

Parents who notify the police that their 16- or 17-year old has run away or is beyond their control can file a formal complaint with the police department. This must include a written, notarized statement giving the dates, times, and behavior that led them to file the complaint.

Who do you call when your child is out of control?

You should call 911 when your child's behavior is beyond your ability to control it and the child is …

What is the legal age to leave a child home alone in Florida?

Florida doesn't have clear laws that specify the exact age when children are allowed to stay home alone. However, according to Florida Department of Children and Families and the national SAFE Kids Campaign, children under the age of 12 years old should not be left alone.

Can a 16 year old stay home alone overnight?

If you're planning on leaving your child alone overnight or for longer periods—they should be in their late teens. Before leaving the house make sure you consider their maturity level and prepare them for anything that could go wrong. Is Your Child Ready To Stay Home Alone? American Academy of Pediatrics.

Can a 10 year old babysit a 6 year old?

Determining how old your child should be to babysit younger siblings is situation specific as needs vary greatly from one family to another, according to Zeltser. Some school-age children between the ages of 8 to 12 may be capable of caring for the basic needs of younger siblings while a parent is home.