Age of Majority and Emancipation in Florida
In Florida, the age of majority is 18, and a circuit court can remove the disabilities of nonage of a minor age 16 or older on a petition by a parent, guardian or guardian ad litem.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Florida at a glance
- Age of majority
- 18
- Emancipation by court petition
- Yes
- Procedure: Removal of disabilities of nonage. The petition is filed by the minor's natural or legal guardian or, if none, by a guardian ad litem.
- Minimum age to petition
- 16
The rules in Florida
What is the age of majority in Florida?
Age of majority in Florida: 18.
Does Florida have a statute that lets a minor petition a court for emancipation?
Yes. Emancipation by court petition in Florida: yes. Procedure: Removal of disabilities of nonage. The petition is filed by the minor's natural or legal guardian or, if none, by a guardian ad litem.
How old must a minor be to petition for emancipation in Florida?
Minimum age to petition in Florida: 16.
Where do the Florida age of majority laws come from?
The rules above come from Fla. Stat. 743.07 and Fla. Stat. 743.015. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.
What this means in practice
The age of majority is not the same as every age limit in the law. Separate rules can set the age for drinking alcohol, buying tobacco, making a will, marrying without consent or ending child support, so check the specific rule that applies to the question you have.
Emancipation usually requires a court petition and proof that the minor can support and manage themselves. A court order may grant full adult status or only specific rights, and it can end a parent's duty of support. Read the order and the statute together to see exactly what changes.
Documents signed for a minor, such as a medical consent form or a power of attorney for a child, generally stop being needed once the child reaches the age of majority. Contracts signed by a minor may be voidable, so adults dealing with minors often ask a parent or guardian to sign as well.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
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