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A gap in Florida law is making it difficult for 17-year-olds who no longer live at home to live independently. They are called unaccompanied youth, and have either left home voluntarily or have been removed by the state. Because of their age, transferring custody to foster parents to help make decisions is difficult. Now legislation suggested by a former unaccompanied youth and brought to Tampa Representative Rick Glorioso is primed to pass. Sergio Valazquez says without the change, easing into adult hood will be more difficult for some kids.

“Being an unaccompanied youth, your parents are not going to pay, so the only way to afford college is financial aid,” youth advocate Sergio Velazquez said. “Other problems we face, signing a lease. Such a simple thing, you know, signing a lease for an apartment, setting up a base so you can live and sleep at night, is impossible because you do not have parental consent, a co-signer, so it’s all on you.”

The legislation was suggested as part of Rep. Glorioso’s annual “it ought to be a law” competition.