Puerto Rico Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: Puerto Rico Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in Puerto Rico
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in Puerto Rico for minors under 18. The certificate must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their ability to work before they are hired.
Acquiring a Puerto Rico Employment Certificate:
In Puerto Rico, Employment Certificates for minors are issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Labor. An Employment Certificate will be issued if the minor meets all of the state's criteria for employment.
Age Certification in Puerto Rico
Age certification is a process through which minors provide proof of their age to a prospective employer, which helps ensure that all child labor laws mandated for their age bracket are followed.
Age certification is not required in Puerto Rico, but an age certificate is required by law to be provided on request for minors 18 to 21.
Acquiring an Age Certificate in Puerto Rico:
Under Puerto Rico law, age certification for minors is carried out by the Puerto Rico Department of Labor.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in Puerto Rico
Minors who are authorized to work in Puerto Rico 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 hours per week up to 6 days a week are permitted: the 8 hours refers to combined hours of work and school.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
8 hours of work per day, 40 hours per week up to 6 days a week are permitted.
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: 6 p.m. to 8 a.m
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Special Child Labor Laws in Puerto Rico
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 Puerto Rico, 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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