In a much-debated step to reduce government interference, Florida is considering a bill that would roll back restrictions on child labor.
See the tweet below!
Critics claim the initiative might exploit minors, but supporters emphasize parental rights.
The Florida Senate committee has recently passed a divisive bill, known as SB 918, that proposes loosening child labor laws.
This move allows teenagers between the ages of 16 and 17 to work beyond the current eight-hour limit and removes the cap of 30 hours a week on school days.
This proposal aligns more closely with federal regulations, empowering parents with more control over their children’s work schedules.
The legislation also extends hiring freedoms for 14- and 15-year-olds who are home-schooled or enrolled in virtual school.
Senator Jay Collins, leading the charge, advocates for parental choice in these matters, stating, “What we are doing is lining Florida up with Federal law. This is a parental rights thing. Parents know their kids best.”
However, this initiative is not without its detractors. Critics, including Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, believe such changes could lead to exploitation and negatively impact education through sleep deprivation and lower academic performance.
Smith warns, “This bill is going to lead to exploitation of minors, exploitation of children,” cited by CBS12.
Another point of contention is the impact of this bill on Florida’s labor shortage.
While some attribute these shortages to anti-immigrant policies, the opponents believe that easing child labor laws should not be the solution.
Organizations like the Florida PTA express their concern, while business groups see this as a potential boon amidst workforce shortages.
Some Republicans, such as Senator Joe Gruters, voice opposition, insisting on retaining the current labor regulations for minors.
“I think we need to let kids be kids. I think the guardrails that we’re removing, even though it may be part of federal law, not in favor of it,” Gruters commented.
Florida debates lifting some child labor laws to fill jobs vacated by undocumented immigrants. Bill would allow 14-yr-olds to work overnight shifts, end guaranteed meal breaks for 16/17-yr-olds.https://t.co/vaagSDLc3N
— Catherine Rampell (@crampell) March 25, 2025
The proposal builds upon a 2024 law that initially allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to work a maximum of 30 hours per week with waivers from parents or school officials.
If enacted, this new legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025.
The bill, having passed the committee with a tight vote of five to four, still requires approval from two more committees before it reaches the Florida Senate floor.
In what could be a significant shift for Florida’s labor landscape, the debate continues on whether protecting parental rights should come at the cost of potentially exploiting young workers.
