Florida Legislature Considers Allowing 14-Year-Olds to Work Overnight Shifts

Proposed child labor law changes, backed by Governor DeSantis, aim to address labor shortages but raise concerns about exploitation and safety.

Florida lawmakers are debating a bill that would permit 14-year-olds to work overnight shifts on school days, loosening current child labor restrictions.
The proposed legislation would also remove guaranteed meal breaks for 16- and 17-year-olds and lift work hour limits for home-schooled teens aged 14 and 15.
Governor Ron DeSantis supports the changes, framing them as a solution to labor shortages caused by strict immigration policies, including mandatory E-Verify for employers.
Critics warn that the changes could lead to increased exploitation and health risks for teenagers, noting a tripling of child labor violations in the state in recent years.
Florida has already eased child labor protections, including a 2023 law allowing home-schooled 16- and 17-year-olds to work any hour of the day.