Florida Advances Bill to Loosen Child Labor Protections Amid Labor Shortages

Senate Bill 918, supported by Governor Ron DeSantis, would allow minors as young as 14 to work overnight shifts and remove restrictions on older teens.

Senate Bill 918 has passed a state senate committee in Florida and awaits a full legislative vote, with strong backing from Governor Ron DeSantis.
If enacted, the bill would permit 14-year-olds to work overnight shifts, even on school days, and remove hour and meal break restrictions for minors over 16.
The proposal also eliminates work restrictions for homeschooled and virtual school students, as well as minors who have graduated high school or earned equivalent credentials.
Supporters argue the bill addresses labor shortages caused by stricter immigration enforcement, which has reduced the availability of immigrant workers in industries like agriculture and tourism.
Critics warn the rollback of child labor protections could exploit minors, harm their education, and reflect a broader conservative agenda to deregulate labor markets and reduce reliance on immigrant labor.