Florida’s legislature is considering a bill, HB 49, aimed at relaxing child labour laws to allow minors to work longer hours. Introduced by House Republican Linda Chaney, the bill proposes several amendments, including permitting minors aged 16 and 17 to start work at 6 a.m. instead of 6:30 a.m. and removing restrictions on the number of hours they can work during school weeks and on school days. Additionally, it would enable minors to work during school hours if they are homeschooled, have dropped out, or are enrolled in a virtual education program.
The proposed changes also include allowing those over 15 to work more than six consecutive days a week and forgoing the requirement of a 30-minute meal break every four hours, which currently applies only to those 18 and older. The Florida House of Representatives passed the bill on February 1, and it now awaits consideration in the Senate.
While proponents argue that loosening child labour laws would provide more opportunities for young people and lead to positive outcomes such as improved school performance and decreased delinquency, critics express concerns about potential exploitation and safety risks. Organizations like the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) caution against the adverse effects of excessive work hours on teen health and safety, citing recent incidents of child labour violations.
Despite the controversy, similar efforts to relax child labour laws have emerged in other states, with some already enacting such legislation. Florida’s bill, however, does not address hazardous work, although another bill, SB 460, aims to lift certain job site restrictions.
Andrew Zelman, a partner at a Fort Lauderdale-based law firm, believes the bill is likely to pass given Florida’s political landscape. While acknowledging concerns about potential exploitation and academic impact, Zelman suggests that certain provisions of the bill may not be as permissive as they appear. He highlights the removal of a provision allowing teens to work overnight and the simplification of the process for dropping out of school to seek employment.
One notable change, according to Zelman, is the elimination of mandatory 30-minute meal breaks for 16- and 17-year-olds, which could benefit employers, especially in industries like retail and food service. However, concerns persist about the potential for overwork and academic disruption among young workers.
Overall, while the bill may lead to some changes in employment practices, Zelman believes it won’t significantly impact most employers in the state. Nonetheless, the proposed legislation raises important questions about the balance between labour flexibility and protecting the rights and well-being of young workers.
