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Is a parent liable for the negligent driving of a teenage child under the age of 18? This is an important legal issue that often times arises subsequent to a Florida automobile accident. The answer to the question is “it depends”. In Florida, a parent is not automatically liable for the negligent acts of the child. It all depends on the facts and circumstances and the type of negligence involved. With respect to an automobile accident, a parent may be liable for the negligent acts of teenage child under the age of 18 if the parent signed the parent consent form for a child to operate a motor vehicle State of Florida. Florida law requires one parent to sign a parent consent form for any child to operate a motor vehicle State of Florida who is under the age of 18. Without this signed consent on file with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, a child is not permitted to drive a motor vehicle in the state of Florida. Typically, the parent consent form is signed by the parent at the time that the teenage child obtain his or her learners permit or learners drivers license at the age of 15. The parent consent form is valid unless revoked in writing. The consent form forms the basis for liability to a parent for the negligent driving a teen driver from the age of 15 until the child’s 18th birthday. It is important for parents to make sure that their children drive in a safe manner in pay close attention to traffic control devices, speed limits, road conditions, weather, and traffic.