We are still in the midst of the hectic summer season, with parents and guardians having to find ways to keep kids busy until school starts in August.
Bouncing around from daycare to summer camps to relative’s houses can easily add up. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average annual cost of full-time child care in Florida can range from $7,287 to $9,238 depending on the children’s age.
With these expenses, some families might be wondering if their children are ready to stay home alone. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you make the decision.
At what age can a child be left home alone in Florida?
Florida doesn’t have clear laws that specify an exact age for when children can legally stay home alone, it’s up to parents to decide when their children are old enough.
According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, the National SAFE KIDS Campaign recommends children should not be left alone before the age of 12. It also notes that older siblings should not supervise younger children until 15.