Money & Finance

Money decisions start earlier than most people expect, and once you’re involved, the law applies whether you fully understand it or not. This guide explains how Florida law affects teens and young adults when it comes to money, banking, and financial responsibility.

We cover common situations like opening bank accounts, using debit and credit cards, overdrafts, subscriptions, and payment apps. Many teens assume small amounts of money or “temporary” agreements don’t matter—but legally, they often do. This guide explains when minors can enter financial agreements, what changes at 18, and why some contracts suddenly become binding.

You’ll also learn about common risks, including scams, fraud, identity theft, and co-signing loans. We explain how online purchases, free trials, and automatic renewals can turn into legal and financial problems if ignored. For working teens, this guide connects money and employment—paychecks, taxes, and what employers are required to provide.

This guide focuses on real-life scenarios: sharing accounts with parents, lending money to friends, being asked to co-sign, using buy-now-pay-later services, or ignoring bank notices. We explain what responsibilities come with these choices and what happens when payments are missed or agreements are broken.

The goal isn’t to teach investing or budgeting—it’s to help you understand the legal rules behind everyday money decisions, so financial independence doesn’t turn into long-term financial trouble.