At what age can a child be left home alone in Florida??

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momof2znsles

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I was wondering at what age in Florida can your child be left home alone? I have a 10 and 8 year old. For four weeks I have training. From 9-430 my kids get home from school at 345. So they would be here by themselves for about an hour. Am I aloud to do that by Florida law??
 
I've found two references that give different answers. One says the age is 12 (although it's an 8 year old article). The other says there is no age limitation.
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/oct2000/sb20001025_473.htm
First off, check the laws in your state. In Florida, for example, besides being a bad idea, it's also illegal to leave a child under 12 at home alone, even during the day, says Marion Mollica-Minson, a psychologist and the director of the Child, Adolescent & Family Center in Boca Raton.
http://circuit8.org/family/FAQ.html
At what age is it legal to leave a child home alone? There is no minimum age established by law. Whether a child can be left alone depends on a number of factors, including: the child's maturity; the safety of the environment they are in; how long they are left alone; whether or not they can get in touch with their parent or caregiver; and whether or not they know what to do in case of an emergency. Leaving a child alone can constitute neglect on the part of a parent or caregiver if the child could be in any danger of harm.

I doubt that there would be a problem for 1 hour unless someone reports it to CPS, or unless there is an injury or accident during your absence. However, if you can find a teenager, neighbor, or family member to supervise your children during that time, you wouldn't have to worry.
 
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