16 Yr. Old Moving Out with Parent's Permission

[Gaslightghostie]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Florida

Hello! I've recently talked to my parents about moving into a small rental house with my 19-year-old friend. My reason for moving is mainly for school; I currently attend an arts high school 45 minutes from my parent's house. We've decided for the sake of the opportunities offered at this school, it would be worth my moving closer so I could take full advantage of the program I'm enrolled in. I currently have a job paying minimum wage, and the friend that is to become my roommate has a job paying slightly more than that. We've crunched the numbers, and can support ourselves completely independent from our parents.

My real question is this: since I'm under 18, what would be my best course of action regarding guardianship and emancipation? My parents are open to either; is it possible for them to let me declare myself emancipated with their permission? My father also suggested naming my friend as a legal guardian simply as a precaution in case there is an emergency or situation where I would need an immediate decision from a guardian. We plan to move in in January, and at that point I will be 17 and she will be 20.

When it comes to leases, are there any foreseeable obstacles? I realize if I don't become emancipated, it will have to be in my friend's name until I turn 18, even though both of us will be paying rent/expenses.

[LawResearcherMissy]

In the state of Florida, your parents would need to file the emancipation petition on your behalf.

If you're living away from home with their permission, that's not even necessary.