Florida Legal Ages Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 13, 2022

In the overwhelming majority of states, the age of majority is 18. However, a number of other factors can affect the age of majority, including marriage and emancipation. Below, you'll find information about Florida legal ages laws, including when minors have the ability to sue and eligibility requirements for emancipation.

Florida Legal Age Laws: At a Glance

The table below is a summary of Florida law on the matter, while more descriptive coverage follows. To learn more about legal age laws in general, take a look at FindLaw's article on state age laws.

Age of Majority	18 (Fla. Stat. § 743.07)
Eligibility for Emancipation	If a legal marriage occurs (Fla. Stat. § 743.01) Upon petition, if 16 or older (Fla. Stat. § 743.015)
Contracts by Minors	May contract for student loans if 16 or over (Fla. Stat. § 743.05) May enter contracts generally if they are married (Fla. Stat. § 743.01)
Minors' Ability to Sue	By next friend or court-appointed guardian (Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.210)
Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment	A minor pregnant woman can consent to the termination of pregnancy herself (but if she is mentally incompetent, a court-appointed guardian may consent on her behalf) (Fla. Stat. § 390.0111) The consent of a parent or guardian of a minor is not a prerequisite for medical treatment or examination for sexually transmissible diseases (Fla. Stat. § 384.30)
Legal Age for Alcohol and Tobacco/E-cigarette Purchase and/or Consumption	21 (Fla. Stat. § 562.11 and § 569.101)

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.