Florida Handbook: Treatment of Minors

Until what age is a patient considered a minor?

In Florida, a person under the age of 18 is considered a minor. With the exception of certain qualifying situations and treatment for specific medical conditions, medical practices must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian before treating a minor; the law considers minors to have the “disability of nonage,” which precludes them from consenting to medical treatment or procedures.

Under what circumstances may minors make all healthcare decisions for themselves?

According to Florida law, the following types of minors may make healthcare decisions for themselves:

a juvenile who has been emancipated;
a married juvenile, or
an unmarried, pregnant minor.

Emancipated Minor: Under Florida law, a…

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