Florida Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Florida, with the law or official source behind each one: driving, work, school, tattoos, marriage, voting, jury service and more. Add a birth date to see which ages are reached and what comes next. It runs in your browser; nothing is stored.
Sources checked on October 21, 2026.
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Legal ages in Florida
Age 6
Car seat or booster age requirement ends
Florida requires a child restraint device for children 5 and younger; from 6, a seat belt alone meets the law.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 316.613(1)(a)
Must be enrolled in school
Florida requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.
Applies to children who are 6 by February 1 of the school year.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 1003.21(1)(a)1., (1)(c)
Age 14
Can work limited hours in non-hazardous jobs (federal rule)
Federal law lets 14- and 15-year-olds work in permitted non-hazardous jobs, outside school hours and within weekly hour limits.
Limits: no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week; 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week when school is out; only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day) (29 C.F.R. 570.35).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Can work (state minimum age)
Florida bars work in any gainful occupation by anyone 13 or younger, with listed exceptions.
Exceptions include legislative pages, entertainment work and farm or household work for a parent; newspaper sales are allowed from 11.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 450.021(3)
Age 15
Can get a learner's permit
Florida issues a learner's license for supervised driving at 15.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 322.1615(1)
Age 16
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Florida's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday.
At 16 a student leaves compulsory attendance only by filing a formal declaration of intent to terminate enrollment with the school board.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 1003.21(1)(a)1., (1)(c)
Can work any non-hazardous job (federal rule)
At 16, the general federal minimum working age applies: any job except those the Labor Department declares hazardous.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Can get a first license to drive alone
A license for driving alone is available at 16 after 12 months on a learner license with no moving violations.
A parent or guardian must certify 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 322.05(2)(a), (3)
Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent
From 16, a person can be tattooed with a parent present who gives notarized written consent.
Parent and minor show photo ID and the parent proves the relationship. Under 16 only for medical or dental purposes by a licensed physician or dentist.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 381.00787(2)
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.
The minor's parent or guardian (or a guardian ad litem) files the petition.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 743.015(1)
Can pre-register to vote
Florida lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 97.041(1)(b)
Age 17
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a parent's written consent, the lowest age to marry is 17.
The other party can be no more than 2 years older.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. 741.04(1); ch. 2018-81
Age 18
Can work in jobs federal law calls hazardous
At 18, the federal bar on jobs the Labor Department declares hazardous for minors ends for non-farm work.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Teen license limits end (varies, see rule)
Night driving limits apply to licensed drivers under 17 and to 17-year-olds, so they end at 18.
At 16 the limit runs 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.; at 17 it runs 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.; driving to or from work is exempt.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 322.16(2)-(3)
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 381.00787(2)
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 743.07(1)
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
An emancipated minor can also make a will.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. 732.501
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. 741.04(1); ch. 2018-81
Can vote
The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to vote at 18 in every federal, state and local election.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, § 1
Must register with Selective Service (men)
Men 18 through 25 who are U.S. citizens or live in the United States must register with the Selective Service System.
Men admitted on a nonimmigrant visa are exempt while they keep that status (50 U.S.C. 3802(a)).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 50 U.S.C. § 3802(a)
Can be called for state jury service
A person can be called for state jury service from age 18.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 40.01
Can be called for federal jury service
Federal courts may call U.S. citizens 18 or older who have lived in the judicial district for a year.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 28 U.S.C. § 1865(b)(1)
Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends)
Florida tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 18; younger defendants start in juvenile court.
A juvenile court can transfer some younger defendants to adult court for serious offenses.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 985.03(7)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars anyone under 18 from buying a lottery ticket.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 24.116(1)
Age 21
Can drive a commercial truck across state lines
Federal rules require drivers of commercial vehicles in interstate commerce to be at least 21.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)
Can buy tobacco or vapes
Federal law bars any retailer from selling cigarettes, vapes or other tobacco products to anyone under 21, in every state.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)
Can buy alcohol
Federal highway funding law withholds funds from any state that lets anyone under 21 buy alcohol or possess it in public, so every state sets 21.
Federal rules let states exempt possession (not purchase) for a religious purpose, with a parent, spouse or legal guardian 21 or older, for medical use, in private clubs, or in lawful employment (23 C.F.R. 1208.3).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)
Under-21 credit card limits end (no cosigner or independent income needed)
Under 21, a card issuer may open a credit card only with a cosigner or proof that you can repay on your own.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)
Age 25
Can serve in the U.S. House
The Constitution sets 25 as the minimum age for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 2
Age 30
Can serve as governor
Florida's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
Florida law · Fla. Const. art. IV, § 5(b)
Can serve in the U.S. Senate
The Constitution sets 30 as the minimum age for the U.S. Senate.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 3
Age 35
Can serve as President
The Constitution sets 35 as the minimum age for President.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5
Age 62
Can start Social Security retirement benefits (reduced)
Social Security retirement benefits can start at 62, permanently reduced.
Federal rule, applies in every state · SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirement
Age 65
Eligible for Medicare by age
Medicare hospital insurance by age begins at 65 for people entitled, or who would be entitled, to Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)
Age 67
Full Social Security retirement age (born 1960 or later)
Full Social Security retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
Federal rule, applies in every state · SSA, Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of Birth
Age 70
Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age
From age 70, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.
The excuse is granted on request.
Florida law · Fla. Stat. § 40.013(8)
Age 73
Retirement-account minimum withdrawals begin
Required minimum distributions from traditional retirement accounts begin at 73 for people who turn 72 after 2022.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)
Rules with no set age in Florida
- Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends: State law sets no rear-facing age; the car seat maker's limits govern when a child turns forward. Fla. Stat. § 316.613(1)(a)1
- No work permit needed: This state does not require a work permit. Fla. Stat. § 450.045(1); ch. 450, part I
- Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate: The original birth certificate is released only by court order; reaching an age gives no automatic access. Fla. Stat. 63.162
- Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election: Voters must be 18 on primary day; 17-year-olds cannot vote in primaries. Fla. Stat. § 97.041(1)(b)
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Legal ages in Florida, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Florida, and the law it comes from. Federal rules apply in every state and are marked as federal.
Childhood
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends State law sets no rear-facing age; the car seat maker's limits govern when a child turns forward. | No rear-facing age set | Fla. Stat. § 316.613(1)(a)1 |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends Florida requires a child restraint device for children 5 and younger; from 6, a seat belt alone meets the law. | 6 | Fla. Stat. § 316.613(1)(a) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Florida requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.Applies to children who are 6 by February 1 of the school year. | 6 | Fla. Stat. § 1003.21(1)(a)1., (1)(c) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Florida's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday.At 16 a student leaves compulsory attendance only by filing a formal declaration of intent to terminate enrollment with the school board. | 16 | Fla. Stat. § 1003.21(1)(a)1., (1)(c) |
Work
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can work limited hours in non-hazardous jobs (federal rule) Federal law lets 14- and 15-year-olds work in permitted non-hazardous jobs, outside school hours and within weekly hour limits.Limits: no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week; 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week when school is out; only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day) (29 C.F.R. 570.35). | 14 | 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)Federal, all states |
| Can work (state minimum age) Florida bars work in any gainful occupation by anyone 13 or younger, with listed exceptions.Exceptions include legislative pages, entertainment work and farm or household work for a parent; newspaper sales are allowed from 11. | 14 | Fla. Stat. § 450.021(3) |
| No work permit needed This state does not require a work permit.Employers must keep proof of a minor's age, such as a copy of a birth certificate or driver license. | No permit required | Fla. Stat. § 450.045(1); ch. 450, part I |
| Can work any non-hazardous job (federal rule) At 16, the general federal minimum working age applies: any job except those the Labor Department declares hazardous. | 16 | 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)Federal, all states |
| Can work in jobs federal law calls hazardous At 18, the federal bar on jobs the Labor Department declares hazardous for minors ends for non-farm work. | 18 | 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)Federal, all states |
Driving
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can get a learner's permit Florida issues a learner's license for supervised driving at 15. | 15 | Fla. Stat. § 322.1615(1) |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A license for driving alone is available at 16 after 12 months on a learner license with no moving violations.A parent or guardian must certify 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night. | 16 | Fla. Stat. § 322.05(2)(a), (3) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Night driving limits apply to licensed drivers under 17 and to 17-year-olds, so they end at 18.At 16 the limit runs 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.; at 17 it runs 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.; driving to or from work is exempt. | 18 | Fla. Stat. § 322.16(2)-(3) |
| Can drive a commercial truck across state lines Federal rules require drivers of commercial vehicles in interstate commerce to be at least 21. | 21 | 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)Federal, all states |
Tattoos
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent From 16, a person can be tattooed with a parent present who gives notarized written consent.Parent and minor show photo ID and the parent proves the relationship. Under 16 only for medical or dental purposes by a licensed physician or dentist. | 16 | Fla. Stat. § 381.00787(2) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | Fla. Stat. § 381.00787(2) |
Adulthood and family
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.The minor's parent or guardian (or a guardian ad litem) files the petition. | 16 | Fla. Stat. § 743.015(1) |
| Becomes a legal adult (age of majority) State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. | 18 | Fla. Stat. § 743.07(1) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.An emancipated minor can also make a will. | 18 | Fla. Stat. 732.501 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | Fla. Stat. 741.04(1); ch. 2018-81 |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a parent's written consent, the lowest age to marry is 17.The other party can be no more than 2 years older. | 17 | Fla. Stat. 741.04(1); ch. 2018-81 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate The original birth certificate is released only by court order; reaching an age gives no automatic access. | No automatic access at any age | Fla. Stat. 63.162 |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Florida lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18. | 16 | Fla. Stat. § 97.041(1)(b) |
| Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election Voters must be 18 on primary day; 17-year-olds cannot vote in primaries. | Must be 18 to vote | Fla. Stat. § 97.041(1)(b) |
| Can vote The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to vote at 18 in every federal, state and local election. | 18 | U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, § 1Federal, all states |
| Must register with Selective Service (men) Men 18 through 25 who are U.S. citizens or live in the United States must register with the Selective Service System.Men admitted on a nonimmigrant visa are exempt while they keep that status (50 U.S.C. 3802(a)).Law change: The FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (signed December 18, 2025) makes registration automatic; the Selective Service System says it will implement the change by December 2026. | 18 | 50 U.S.C. § 3802(a)Federal, all states |
| Can be called for state jury service A person can be called for state jury service from age 18. | 18 | Fla. Stat. § 40.01 |
| Can be called for federal jury service Federal courts may call U.S. citizens 18 or older who have lived in the judicial district for a year. | 18 | 28 U.S.C. § 1865(b)(1)Federal, all states |
| Can serve in the U.S. House The Constitution sets 25 as the minimum age for the U.S. House of Representatives. | 25 | U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 2Federal, all states |
| Can serve as governor Florida's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | Fla. Const. art. IV, § 5(b) |
| Can serve in the U.S. Senate The Constitution sets 30 as the minimum age for the U.S. Senate. | 30 | U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 3Federal, all states |
| Can serve as President The Constitution sets 35 as the minimum age for President. | 35 | U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5Federal, all states |
Criminal court
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends) Florida tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 18; younger defendants start in juvenile court.A juvenile court can transfer some younger defendants to adult court for serious offenses. | 18 | Fla. Stat. § 985.03(7) |
Age-restricted purchases
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can buy tobacco or vapes Federal law bars any retailer from selling cigarettes, vapes or other tobacco products to anyone under 21, in every state. | 21 | 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)Federal, all states |
| Can buy alcohol Federal highway funding law withholds funds from any state that lets anyone under 21 buy alcohol or possess it in public, so every state sets 21.Federal rules let states exempt possession (not purchase) for a religious purpose, with a parent, spouse or legal guardian 21 or older, for medical use, in private clubs, or in lawful employment (23 C.F.R. 1208.3). | 21 | 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)Federal, all states |
| Can buy a lottery ticket State law bars anyone under 18 from buying a lottery ticket. | 18 | Fla. Stat. § 24.116(1) |
Money
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Under-21 credit card limits end (no cosigner or independent income needed) Under 21, a card issuer may open a credit card only with a cosigner or proof that you can repay on your own. | 21 | 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)Federal, all states |
Later life
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can start Social Security retirement benefits (reduced) Social Security retirement benefits can start at 62, permanently reduced. | 62 | SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirementFederal, all states |
| Eligible for Medicare by age Medicare hospital insurance by age begins at 65 for people entitled, or who would be entitled, to Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. | 65 | 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)Federal, all states |
| Full Social Security retirement age (born 1960 or later) Full Social Security retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. | 67 | SSA, Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of BirthFederal, all states |
| Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age From age 70, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.The excuse is granted on request. | 70 | Fla. Stat. § 40.013(8) |
| Retirement-account minimum withdrawals begin Required minimum distributions from traditional retirement accounts begin at 73 for people who turn 72 after 2022.Law change: Rises to 75 for people who turn 74 after December 31, 2032. | 73 | 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)Federal, all states |
How Florida sets these ages
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. Some rights arrive before that age and some after it, and several rules below give minors a path that needs a parent's consent or a court's approval.
For work, federal child-labor law does not excuse an employer from a Florida rule with a higher standard (29 U.S.C. § 218(a)), so the stricter rule applies to employers covered by both. A row without an age says why, for example: no permit is required, the law sets no minimum age, or the state has no rule of that kind.
The age of consent
The age of consent is not a milestone and is not part of this ladder. See age of consent laws by state for Florida's law and its legal context.
What this tool does not do
- It does not give legal advice or say whether a specific person may do something. Many rules have conditions (a parent present, a course passed, a court order) that the rule line names but the tool cannot check.
- It does not cover city or county rules (curfews, local tattoo or business ordinances) or private policies such as rental-car age minimums.
- It does not track pending bills. A rule changes on this page only after it is enacted and we confirm it at an official source.
- It does not show the age of consent. That is covered, with its legal context, on our age of consent page.
- It does not cover every age rule. Firearms, cannabis, casino gambling, the minimum age to adopt and curfews are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age of majority in Florida?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (Fla. Stat. § 743.07(1))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Florida?
Florida issues a learner's license for supervised driving at 15. (Fla. Stat. § 322.1615(1))
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Florida?
A license for driving alone is available at 16 after 12 months on a learner license with no moving violations. A parent or guardian must certify 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night. (Fla. Stat. § 322.05(2)(a), (3))
How old do you have to be to work in Florida?
Florida bars work in any gainful occupation by anyone 13 or younger, with listed exceptions. Exceptions include legislative pages, entertainment work and farm or household work for a parent; newspaper sales are allowed from 11. (Fla. Stat. § 450.021(3))
Do minors need a work permit in Florida?
This state does not require a work permit. Employers must keep proof of a minor's age, such as a copy of a birth certificate or driver license. (Fla. Stat. § 450.045(1); ch. 450, part I)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Florida?
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. From 16, a person can be tattooed with a parent present who gives notarized written consent. Parent and minor show photo ID and the parent proves the relationship. Under 16 only for medical or dental purposes by a licensed physician or dentist. (Fla. Stat. § 381.00787(2))
How old do you have to be to get married in Florida?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a parent's written consent, the lowest age to marry is 17. The other party can be no more than 2 years older. (Fla. Stat. 741.04(1); ch. 2018-81)
At what age can you leave school in Florida?
Florida's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday. At 16 a student leaves compulsory attendance only by filing a formal declaration of intent to terminate enrollment with the school board. (Fla. Stat. § 1003.21(1)(a)1., (1)(c))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Florida?
State law bars anyone under 18 from buying a lottery ticket. (Fla. Stat. § 24.116(1))
Sources
- Fla. Stat. § 97.041(1)(b)
- Fla. Const. art. IV, § 5(b)
- Fla. Stat. § 743.07(1)
- Fla. Stat. § 743.015(1)
- Fla. Stat. 732.501
- Fla. Stat. § 40.01
- Fla. Stat. § 40.013(8)
- Fla. Stat. 741.04(1); ch. 2018-81
- Fla. Stat. § 316.613(1)(a)1
- Fla. Stat. 63.162
- Fla. Stat. § 322.1615(1)
- Fla. Stat. § 322.05(2)(a), (3)
- Fla. Stat. § 322.16(2)-(3)
- Fla. Stat. § 24.116(1)
- Fla. Stat. § 985.03(7)
- Fla. Stat. § 1003.21(1)(a)1., (1)(c)
- Fla. Stat. § 381.00787(2)
- Fla. Stat. § 450.021(3)
- Fla. Stat. § 450.045(1); ch. 450, part I
- U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, § 1
- 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)
- 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)
- 28 U.S.C. § 1865(b)(1)
- 50 U.S.C. § 3802(a)
- 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)
- 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)
- 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
- U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 2
- U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5
- SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirement
- 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)
- 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)
Sources checked on October 21, 2026.
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