What age can youths be left 'home alone'?

[Mrs Dazzle]

Can anyone help?!

We are travelling from the UK to Florida (Miami and Marco Island) in a couple of weeks. We love this area and have stayed quite a few times.

This trip we are staying in a condo on Marco Island and I would like to make sure we have a grasp of Florida state laws about the age that teenagers can be left on their own.

Please don’t think I’m abandoning my child!! Our DD is 16 and a half years old (going on 30) and has recently started college. She views this upcoming trip the same as we all do – pure relaxation (and she will be looking forward to some lie-ins in bed in the morning, shock horror) My DH and I are looking forward to nice early morning/evening walks along the beach

So here is the question – are we ok to be leaving DD in our condo while we go on these walks? I have read a number of stories in the UK press where parents’ have been arrested for leaving children alone in Florida – admittedly these are younger children and we would never have even considered doing this at a younger age.

 

[aprilgail2]

16?? Yea- no problem having them stay home alone.

 

[Ohiodislover]

No problems leaving a 16 Y.O.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

Believe it or not, some people will leave a 16 year old alone when they go away overnight! Yes, you are ok leaving her in the condo alone.

I leave my DS's alone for quick trips to the grocery store. They are 11 and 9. I am only a mile or two away, and I always have my cell phone. They know the rules, no answering the door, going outside, etc.

 

[Kimberle]

Most American 16yo's are pretty independent, driving, part time jobs, etc. As long as your teen is comfortable, you can leave her.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

16 is perfectly acceptable. Enjoy your trip.

 

[mjkacmom]

Well, since my dd13 babysits her siblings, plus other families, I think you should be fine. I think my parents left me home alone at that age for a week!

 

[padams]

Only a couple of states have actual laws on age and staying home (or in a hotel or condo) alone. I believe they are Maryland and Illinois. Other states such as Georgia have published guidelines. The guidelines tend to be 12 years of age but in many states children as young as 8 can stay home for an hour or two (latchkey kids who don't have anyone at home after school). I couldn't find any laws or guidelines for Florida but someone else may be able to find them. Where there are no laws or guidelnies, the authorities look to whether the child is capable of being on their own.

A 16 year old is definitely old enough to be on her own. My parents left me at home for a week when I was that age. Of course, they told all of the neighbors so I knew I couldn't have any friends over because I was being watched.

 

[mhsjax]

It is my understanding that (and I could be wrong) Florida doesn't actually have an age that it is legal to be left alone. I think it is left up to the parent to use their judgement. Obviously you can't leave a baby alone. Anyway, I am in Florida and I leave my 12 year old alone as do most of my friends. You will be fine.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Thanks so much for all your help, guidance and research

I am pleased to see it will be ok. In England there is no legal age - just like has been mentioned here if the child is capable and can be trusted.

Luckily Katie can! She would be horrified to think I am asking this question I can hear her now "Mother! Honestly . . . . "



-x-

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

Tell Katie all your Dis friends think she is a very capable young lady. That will really make her roll her eyes!

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Tell Katie all your Dis friends think she is a very capable young lady. That will really make her roll her eyes!

A x