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4w ago

Florida Senate Panel Advances Bill to Ease Child Labor Laws

The proposal would allow 14-year-olds to work overnight shifts and remove hour and meal restrictions for older teens, addressing labor shortages tied to strict immigration policies.

A view of the Florida State Capitol building.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to a child during a campaign rally at the Cara Irish Pub & Restaurant on January 19, 2024, in Dover, New Hampshire.
FILE - Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa speaks during a Fiscal Policy Committee meeting, March 9, 2023, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Sears, File)

Overview

  • The Florida Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee approved the bill in a 5-4 vote, moving it closer to a full Senate review.
  • The legislation would permit 14- and 15-year-olds to work overnight shifts under certain conditions and remove work-hour and meal break restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds.
  • Supporters, including Governor Ron DeSantis, argue the changes address labor shortages caused by the state's 2023 immigration crackdown and mandatory E-Verify requirements.
  • Critics warn the bill could exploit vulnerable teenagers, harm their education, and exacerbate already high levels of child labor violations in Florida.
  • The proposal reflects a broader trend in Republican-led states rolling back child labor protections to mitigate workforce shortages.