Florida Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: Florida Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on Florida and <a href="/federal/child-labor-laws">Federal</a> levels exist to prevent the exploitation of minors for labor, and ensure that education is prioritized over work. Limitations on child labor vary by age, and may include restrictions on the types of work that can be done, maximum hours that may be worked, and limitations on late or overnight work.
Regulation of child labor may include the use of Employment Certificates issued by the minor's school or the state Labor Department, and/or an Age Certification document that verifies the minor's age for work purposes. This page details Florida's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in Florida
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are not required in order for minors to work under Florida law. Employers are still responsible for ensuring that they comply with all Florida child labor restrictions and regulations.
In Florida, employment or age certificates are not required to hire minors. However, employers of any minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child's age. An age certificate issued by the district school board is one method of meeting the proof of age requirement.
Age Certification in Florida
While some states require working minors to provide their employers with an age certification document, this is not required for minors who wish to work in Florida. Employers are expected to identify minors whom they employ and ensure that their employment is in compliance with all Federal and state child labor restrictions.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in Florida
Minors who are authorized to work in Florida are subject to restrictions on when they can work, and how many hours they can work. The exact restrictions in effect depend on the age of the minor, and are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor's schooling.
Maximum Hours of Work for Minors
Working hour restrictions limit how many hours a minor may work per day, and per week.
For Minors Under 16:
8 hours of work per day, 40 per week, up to 6 days per week are permitted when school is out.
During a school day only 3 hours are permitted when followed by another school day, except if enrolled in a vocational program. Up to 15 hours can be worked in a schoolweek.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
8 hours of work per day, 30 hours per week, up to 6 days per week are permitted during the schoolyear.
Nightwork Restrictions for Minors
Nightwork restrictions set limits on how late a minor can legally work.
For Minors Under 16:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 7 p.m. before school day to 7 a.m. on school day (9 p.m. during holidays and summer vacations to 7 a.m.)
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., before school day.
Special Child Labor Laws in Florida
In addition to laws requiring work certificates or age verification for general employment of minors, most states have special regulations governing the employment of minors in agriculture (such as farm work and harvesting), and the entertainment industry (including child actors, models, and performers).
To learn about these special child labor laws in Florida, see the following pages.
On a Federal level, child labor is regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Minors and students may additionally be subject to special labor law regulations regarding minimum wage, meal and break periods while working, and more.
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