Overview

• 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.