Child Labor

  • man holding paper and drink Florida's Child Labor Law, Sections 450.001-450.161 Florida Statutes applies to teenagers under the age of 18. If you are a minor, you can't work during school hours unless you are exempt, are granted a waiver, or are enrolled in a school-work experience program, vocational education or other program declared exempt by the state of Florida. 

     

  • For minors age 14 and 15;

    The allowable work hours are: Fifteen (15) hours a week when school is in session;   three (3) hours a day, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. if school is scheduled for the next day. Eight (8) hours a day, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on days when there is no school the next day. Forty (40) hours a week during the summer and holidays. 

    For minors age 16 and 17;

    The allowable work hours are:  Thirty (30) hours a week when school is in session;   eight (8) hours a day, between 6:30 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. if school is scheduled the next day. No restrictions on hours during vacations and holidays, or when school is not scheduled for the next day.  

    PROOF OF AGE

    Employers are required to keep proof of age for all minors who are employed. Students should show their birth certificate or the school may provide an age certificate.   Work permits are no longer required. 

    PARTIAL WAIVERS

    Partial waivers of the Child Labor Law  may be granted under certain conditions, such as financial hardship, medical or other hardship, court order, or with the approval of the Assistant Superintendent, Office of Student Services.* Waivers are granted by the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security, Bureau of Compliance/Child Labor Section. 

    Minors not enrolled in (K-12) public schools, dropouts, students who are home schooled, in private school, enrolled in an alternative education program, or have been expelled may apply for a partial waiver from the Bureau of Child Labor, 850-488-3131. Partial waivers are approved on a case by case basis when in the best interest of the minor. 

    The Partial Work Waiver form can be found at:  Partial Work Waiver

    In order to start the partial waiver process, this form must be filled out and submitted to your child's school counselor along with a letter from the student and a second letter from the parent/legal guardian detailing the reason for the request along with the student's date of birth and address. The student's grades and attendance will be considered before a waiver is granted. 

    The school will review and forward all documents, as appropriate, to Melinda Maynard, Pod 4 Student Services, for final approval.