Overview

• Senate Bill 918, now awaiting a full legislative vote, would allow teens aged 14 and older to work overnight shifts and remove meal and hour restrictions for older teens.
• Governor Ron DeSantis supports the bill, framing it as a solution to labor shortages caused by strict immigration policies that reduced the availability of undocumented workers.
• Critics argue the measure exploits vulnerable teenagers, particularly from low-income families, to fill low-wage jobs in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and fast food.
• The bill has faced bipartisan opposition, with Republican Senator Joe Gruters emphasizing the need to protect childhood and education over economic interests.
• This proposal aligns with broader efforts in Republican-led states to deregulate labor markets, raising concerns about the erosion of labor protections and educational standards.