Florida Child Labor Laws
Early efforts at child labor laws in Florida began at the turn of the century, but these laws were ignored until the National Child Labor Committee assisted in passing more effective legislation in 1913. The Child Labor Program of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is currently responsible for implementing the laws regarding the employment of minors.
Child Labor Laws in Florida For Minors Under 14
The Florida Child Labor Program states that those under the age of 14 are prohibited from working in order to protect their academic interests, health, and welfare. There are some light jobs youth in this age group are allowed to do with parental permission. Beginning at the age of 10, minors may engage in newspaper delivery. Children who are at least 12 years old may work with a parent on farms. They may work in the entertainment industry or for their parents in non-hazardous occupations.
Child Labor Laws in Florida For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
A work permit is required before beginning employment. Minors in this age group may work in certain jobs but not ones considered to be hazardous. Occupations in this category include: construction work, climbing ladders or scaffolds, cooking over an open flame, door-to-door sales, loading and unloading trucks, operating power equipment, repairing machinery, working with certain breeds of dangerous animals, and using spray paint.
The law details restrictions for this age group, including,
When public school is in session:
- May not work during school hours
- Maximum of three hours on school days
- Not earlier than 7am or later than 7pm on school days
- Maximum of eight hours per day on weekends and non-school days
- A maximum of 15 hours per week
- May work until 9pm on weekends and non-school days
- May not work more than six consecutive days
- A 30-minute break for every four consecutive hours worked
When public school is not in session:
- May work a maximum of eight hours per day
- A maximum of 15 hours per week
- May not work more than six consecutive days
- A 30-minute break for every four consecutive hours worked
Child Labor Laws in Florida For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
A work permit is required before beginning employment. Minors in this age group are allowed to work in a wide range of jobs with the exception of occupations prohibited to all minors under the age of 18.
The Child Labor Law details the guidelines, including,
When public school is in session:
- Not during school hours
- Maximum of 30 hours per week
- Not earlier than 6:30am or later than 11:00pm on weekdays
- No restrictions on hours of weekend work
- No more than eight hours per day
- May not work more than six consecutive days
- A 30-minute break for every four consecutive hours worked
When public school is not in session:
- Maximum of 40 hours per week
- Not earlier than 6:30am or later than 11:00pm
- No restrictions on hours of weekend work
- May not work more than six consecutive days
- No more than eight hours per day
- A 30-minute break for every four consecutive hours worked
Minors under the age of 18 are restricted from working in demolition, excavation, logging, meatpacking, mining, roofing, firefighting, driving on public highways, manufacturing bricks, using certain types of saws, and handling compressed gas, corrosives, explosives, pesticides, radioactive material, and toxic substances. They may not work in establishments selling or serving alcohol. Florida child labor laws also do not apply to employees enrolled in academic work programs, currently or formerly married, already graduated from high school, or discharged from the military. They may work in the entertainment industry. Youth with a child labor exemption granted by the public school system or the DBPR may work outside the regulations imposed on minors.