Florida debates lifting some child labor laws to fill jobs vacated by undocumented immigrants

Florida’s legislature is debating a bill that would allow children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts. The bill is currently supported by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The bill includes removing work restrictions for homeschooled teens aged 14 and 15 and ending meal breaks for 16- and 17-year-olds.

Opponents warn that this could harm teens’ well-being and education, with some criticizing the proposal as shortsighted.

State data shows child labor violations nearly tripled from 2019 to 2022, raising concerns about the impact of these proposed changes.