Florida lawmakers are thinking about changing child labor laws. This new rule could allow teenagers as young as 14 to work overnight and take away some protections. Supporters say it will help with worker shortages, but others worry it will be bad for young workers.
The bill will be discussed in the Florida Senate. It follows Governor Ron DeSantis’s plan to have younger workers replace undocumented migrant workers. But critics say this could harm teens, affect their schooling, and lead to more injuries at work.
Why Governor DeSantis Supports This Change
Governor Ron DeSantis wants more young people to work. He says Florida’s immigration laws have made it harder to find workers. He believes teenagers and college students should fill those jobs.
He also mentioned Florida’s E-Verify law, which makes businesses check if workers are legally allowed to work. Some workers left because of this law, and he thinks teens can replace them.
What the New Law Would Change
Senator Jay Collins (R-Tampa) introduced this bill. It would:
- Remove limits on how late and how long 16- and 17-year-olds can work.
- Let 14- and 15-year-olds work more hours if they study at home or online.
- Get rid of required meal breaks for teen workers.
Right now, Florida law does not allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m. on school nights. They also cannot work more than 30 hours a week during school unless they get special permission. People against the new bill say it will put teens in danger of being overworked.
Concerns About Teen Workers
Many experts and worker rights groups are worried about these changes.
Nina Mast from the Economic Policy Institute said, “The teens hurt most by this bill are the ones who need money the most.”
Alexis Tsoukalas from the Florida Policy Institute said, “More work might mean more money now, but it can hurt teens later because they won’t focus on their education.”
Reports show that child labor violations in Florida have tripled from 2019 to 2022. Critics say that if this law passes, more teens will face dangerous work situations and long hours.
How This Fits into a Bigger Problem
This is not just happening in Florida. Many states are looking at similar changes. In January 2025, companies like Perdue Farms and JBS were fined $8 million for making minors work in dangerous jobs.
Worker rights groups say this Florida bill could lead to more child labor problems. At least 16 states have introduced similar bills, often pushed by business groups who want fewer work rules.
People Who Are Against This Bill
Many Democrats and worker advocates are fighting this bill.
Senator Shevrin Jones (D-West Park) said, “Teens should not be used to fix worker shortages. We should work on better immigration laws instead.”
A similar bill in 2024 failed because of public anger. A conservative group called the Foundation for Government Accountability helped write that bill. They also support the new bill.
Also Read: Guns and Kids: The Deadly Reality of America’s Firearm Epidemic
Since Republicans control the Florida Legislature, this bill could pass. But it will face strong opposition from labor rights groups, teachers, and child welfare groups.
What This Means for Florida Teens
If this bill becomes law, teenagers in Florida may work longer hours with fewer protections. Some people say this will help businesses, but others believe it will hurt teens’ health, education, and safety.
As the debate continues, Floridians must decide if this change is worth the risks. This decision could also affect child labor laws in other states.
Stay Updated
To follow the latest news on this issue, check local news, follow legislative updates, and support fair labor rights groups. If you have concerns, contact your local representatives and share your opinion on these changes.