Push to loosen child labor laws in Florida advances, but not everyone agrees
TAMPA, Fla., (WFLA) – Efforts to loosen child labor laws in Florida are advancing in the state legislature.
The proposed bill would allow teenagers to work longer hours, even on school nights.
Some lawmakers are pushing this bill for teenagers to work jobs that used to be held by undocumented migrants.
The bill comes with many changes for those as young as 14.
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With stricter laws on immigration in the state and country, Florida is preparing for a shortage of migrant workers.
'When they're bringing in illegal migrants, they're doing that because they can pay them less than they have to pay an H2A worker. That's why they're doing it,' said Gov. Ron DeSantis.
A bill recently passed through the Commerce and Tourism Committee would allow teenagers, ages 16 and 17, to work longer hours, beginning before 6:30 in the morning or after 11 at night on weekday nights.
If the bill passes, it will allow teenagers to work more than eight hours daily and over 30 hours a week, while also being in school.
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The Florida Policy Institute said they estimate that this bill could impact over 110,000 teenagers.
According to Gov. DeSantis, the bill all boils down to the desire to hire cheap labor, but he doesn't think this is the best policy to move forward with the bill.
'What's wrong with expecting our young people to be working part-time? I mean that's how it used to be when I was growing up. Why do we say we need to import foreigners, even import them illegally, when teenagers used to work at these resorts,' he said.
This proposal would also end restrictions that prevent 14 and 15-year-olds who are homeschooled or go to school online from being hired.
Not everyone is on board with the bill, those opposed said it could affect teenager's schooling and encourage child exploitation.
'If lawmakers want to prioritize the health, safety, and education of Florida youth, they will reject any further undoing of child labor protections,' said Sadaf Knight, CEO of the non-partisan Florida Policy Institute, in a statement.
This bill still needs to go through more committees before heading to the Senate floor. If signed into law, it would take effect July 1.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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