Parental Liability for the Use of a Motor Vehicle by a Child

Fla. Stat. § 322.09 requires the parent of a child under 18 to sign the child’s application for a driver’s license or permit, and the adult must assume liability for the child’s use of a motor vehicle.  If a parent or guardian is unable to sign the application, a responsible adult must sign the application for license or permit, and the adult will assume liability for the child’s actions.   Any damages, whether bodily injury or property damage, arising from the negligence or misconduct of the minor under the age of 18 while operating a motor vehicle is imputed to the adult that signed the application for permit or license.