Minimum Legal Age to Work in Florida

Minimum Legal Age to Work in FloridaMinimum Legal Age to Work in FloridaAlthough there aresome exceptions, almost everywhere across the United States, young people can begin working at age 14 because thats what federal child labor laws state. However, child labor laws in each state may also indicate the extremum age to work and which permits they need to do so. When there is a conflict between federal and state laws, the more restrictive law will apply. Working Guidelines for Teens in the Sunshine State In Florida, teens do leid need a child employment certificate towork, but they do need to show proof of age. There,14- and 15-year-olds can work up to 15 hours per week, but not before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. and not more than three hours on school days when a school day follows. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays or non-school days, these teens may work up to eight hours. On non-school days when a school day doesnt follow, they can work up until 9 p.m. When school isnt in session, 14- and 15-year-olds in Florida can work eight hours per day and up to 40 hours per week. During these breaks in the school year, they cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Florida teens who are 16 and 17 years old may work up to 30 hours per week, but not before 630 a.m. and not after 11 p.m. and for no more than 8 hours when a school day follows. When a school day doesnt follow, these teens do not have a restriction on how many hours they can work in one day. When school is not in session, 16 and 17-year-olds in Florida have no limitations on the hours they work. Teens in both age brackets may not work more than six consecutive days per week. Juvenile workers must receive a 30-minute break after working four consecutive hours. Jobs Available to Florida Teens Florida teens are largely prohibited from working in dangerous jobs. For example, youth in the 14- to 15-year-old age bracket may not work in jobs that require them to operate power-driven machinery or aggregat vehicl es. They may also not work in construction unless its in a clerical capacity. Meanwhile, youth in the 16- to 17-year-old age bracket cannot perform dangerous tasks on the job such as logging, firefighting or wrecking or demolition. Theyre also not allowed to work near hazardous substances such as pesticides or radioactive substances. They cant work with electrical apparatuses or wiring either. Finally, they may not work more than four hours without a break. The Bottom Line Before saying yes to a job opportunity, its important for teens to check the law to make sure that they are legally allowed to work the number of hours their employer requires. For more information about working as a minor in Florida, visit thestate labor website.