Leaving Home Before Eighteen
Fla. Stat. 743.015 — 16 or older, a petition by a guardian, and an adult's status
In Florida, the circuit court may remove the disabilities of nonage of a minor age 16 or older who lives in the state, on a petition filed by the minor's natural or legal guardian or, if there is none, by a guardian ad litem.
- The minor's name, address, residence and date of birth, and where each parent is, if known.
- Any children born to the minor, and their custody and location.
- The minor's character, habits, education, income and mental capacity for business, and how food, shelter, clothing, medical care and other necessities will be met.
- Any pending court case involving the minor, and why the court should remove the disabilities of nonage.
A lawyer for the minor. If a natural or legal guardian files, the court must appoint an attorney ad litem for the minor, and the minor is brought before the court to determine whether the minor's interest will be fully protected. A parent who is not petitioning must be served, and constructive service may be used only after the petitioning parent makes an actual, diligent search for that parent.
An adult for all criminal and civil laws. If the court finds removal is in the minor's best interest, the order gives the minor the status of an adult for purposes of all criminal and civil laws of the state, and the rights and responsibilities of persons who are 18 years of age or older. The judgment is recorded in the county where the minor lives.
Marriage. The disability of nonage of a minor who is or has been married, including one whose marriage is dissolved or who is widowed, is removed by the statute itself, and the minor may manage their own estate, contract, and sue and be sued.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionEmancipation only changes civil matters | What the law actually doesThe order gives an adult's status for all criminal and civil laws of the state |
| The assumptionA teenager files for it alone | What the law actually doesThe natural or legal guardian files, or a guardian ad litem if there is none |
Running away, a parent's custody rights and the rules for minors in foster care are not all on this page. Whether a particular minor qualifies is a question for a licensed Florida attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Fla. Stat. 743.015 — Disabilities of nonage; removal
- Fla. Stat. 743.01 — Removal of disabilities of married minors
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Florida attorney.