Legislation aimed at rolling back child labor restrictions advances in Florida

Tallahassee, FL — A bill that would roll back restrictions on the number of hours 16- and 17-year-olds can work, and when, is advancing in the Florida Legislature.

Introduced by Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach) in September, H.B. 49 was approved by the Florida House with an 80-35 vote on Feb. 1.

The bill would amend current labor law that prohibits 16- and 17-year-olds from working before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m., for more than eight hours when they have school the next day, and for more than 30 hours a week when school is in session.

It also would allow teens who are homeschooled, attend virtual classes or have dropped out of school to work during school hours. Additionally, teens would no longer have the right to receive a break after every four hours of work.

The bill’s supporters say it would provide teens more opportunity and bolster the state’s economy. The ACLU of Florida contends the bill would force young people to choose between prioritizing their education and their jobs.

The state Senate’s version of the bill (S.B. 1596), sponsored by Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills), differs from the House version in that it wouldn’t allow teens to work eight hours in a day unless it’s a holiday or a Sunday. Additionally, it wouldn’t permit teens to work more than 30 hours a week during the school year.

However, both bills would still restrict when teens can work. S.B 1506 wouldn’t allow teens to work before 5:30 a.m. or after midnight when school is scheduled the next day. H.B. 49 would set those times at 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.

The Senate bill advanced out of the Commerce and Tourism Committee with a 4-1 vote on Jan. 30 and moved to the Regulated Industries Committee.