Puerto Rico Child Labor Laws

Puerto Rico became a territory of the U.S. following the Spanish-American War in 1898.  Child labor law began after the inhabitants of Puerto Rico were granted citizenship in 1917 with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 providing the basis of child labor regulations.

Child Labor Laws in Puerto Rico For Minors Under 14​

Puerto Rico Child Labor Law is administered by the Department of Labor and Human Resources and states that minors younger than 14 are not allowed to work to protect their physical, mental, and emotional development.  There are a few exceptions.  Minors 12 and 13 can work in agriculture on a farm where the parent is also employed.

Child Labor Laws in Puerto Rico For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

Minors 14 and 15 years old are permitted to work in certain areas with a work permit.  Fourteen is the minimum age for youth to work in agricultural jobs.

They are prohibited from working in the Hazardous Occupations restricted to all minors under the age of 18 listed below, unless they are student workers.

Puerto Rico Child Labor Law outlines the restrictions for this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • No more than eight hours total school and work on school days
  • A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No earlier than 8am or later than 6pm
  • No more than six consecutive days per week
  • Must have a one hour meal period after four consecutive hours

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day
  • No more than six consecutive days per week
  • Must have a one hour meal period after four consecutive hours

Child Labor Laws in Puerto Rico For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

Child Labor Laws in the Puerto Rico allow minors 16 and 17 to work in a variety of jobs with the appropriate work permit.  They may not work in establishments which serve or sell alcohol for consumption. 

All minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in the following Hazardous Occupations as outlined by the State:

  • Work with Explosives
  • Driving a Motor Vehicle
  • Manufacturing Brick/Tile
  • Logging/Saw Milling
  • Mining
  • Exposure to Radiation Substances
  • Work with Power-Driven Machinery
  • Roofing
  • Meat Packing/Processing
  • Demolition
  • Excavation

Puerto Rico Labor Law outlines the restrictions for this age group as follows:

When public school is in session:

  • No working during school hours
  • A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
  • A maximum of 18 hours per week
  • No earlier than 6am or later than 10pm
  • No more than six consecutive days per week
  • Must have a one hour meal period after four consecutive hours

When public school is not in session:

  • No more than eight hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week
  • No earlier than 6am or later than 10pm
  • No more than six consecutive days per week
  • Must have a one hour meal period after four consecutive hours

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