Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing a major change to Florida’s labor laws that would allow teenagers to work longer hours, even overnight and during school weeks. Supporters say the bill would help fill a serious labor shortage across the state, while critics warn it could exploit young workers and interfere with their education.
Florida’s Labor Shortage Drives the New Bill
Florida, like many other states, is facing a labor shortage that has hit small businesses, theme parks, retailers, and supermarkets especially hard. Despite Florida’s unemployment rate sitting at 3.6 percent in February, lower than the national average of 4.1 percent, employers are still struggling to find enough workers. The job openings rate in Florida was 4.8 percent, compared to 4.6 percent nationwide.
DeSantis has linked the labor shortage to the state’s crackdown on illegal immigration. Speaking at an immigration roundtable, he said, “What’s wrong with expecting our young people to be working part time? That’s how it used to be when I was growing up.” He argued that there should not be a reliance on foreign labor when American teenagers could be filling those roles.
In a February memo from DeSantis’ office to lawmakers, his administration emphasized that “current restrictions in Florida statutes make holding employment harder than required by federal law for this age group.” The memo claimed that removing state-level restrictions would make it easier for teens to get and keep jobs while allowing families to decide what is best for their children.
What the New Law Would Change for Teen Workers
Currently, Florida law restricts 16- and 17-year-olds from working before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m. on school nights. They are also limited to 30 hours per week when school is in session, and they must receive meal breaks during long shifts.
The new bill, heavily influenced by language from DeSantis’ office, would eliminate all these restrictions. It would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work overnight shifts on school nights, work longer than eight-hour days, and no longer require meal breaks. Restrictions would also be eased for 14- and 15-year-olds if they are homeschooled, enrolled in virtual education, or have already earned a high school diploma.
Senator Jay Collins, a Republican from Tampa who is sponsoring the Senate version of the bill, said the goal is to give families more flexibility. “I believe that parents are best suited to take care of their kids and manage their schedules and make sure that they’re doing what’s best for them,” Collins said.
Supporters Say It Offers Teens Experience and Helps Businesses
Supporters of the bill argue that expanding work opportunities for teenagers will not only help businesses but will also provide valuable life lessons for young people. Organizations such as the Foundation for Government Accountability, small business groups, chambers of commerce, and restaurant associations are backing the proposal.
Monique Miller, a Republican state representative sponsoring the House version, said, “I really wanted to give the power back to the parents.” She emphasized that families, not government regulations, should decide how much teenagers are allowed to work.
Some Florida parents agree. Greg Mathers, who has a 17-year-old stepdaughter, said, “A kid can learn a lot from a job, especially at an early age. It helps in their development. It helps in their understanding of capitalism.” Mathers pointed out that entry-level jobs, which many businesses struggle to fill, are ideal opportunities for teenagers to gain real-world experience.
Critics Warn of Risks to Teens’ Education and Health
Opponents of the bill, including unions, Democrats, and child advocacy groups, argue that the changes could lead to exploitation and negatively affect students’ ability to succeed academically. Critics also point out that federal child labor violations have been rising in recent years.
David Weil, a professor at Brandeis University and a former Labor Department official, said, “This is, at its root, an attempt to find a lower-cost source of labor. It’s as simple as that, even if it’s dressed up as something more virtuous.”
Orlando mother Elly Kennedy also expressed concern about young workers being put under pressure by employers. “When you’re not mature enough to advocate for yourself, it’s an easy situation to be manipulated and bullied,” she said. Kennedy said her own 16-year-old daughter prefers to focus on studying rather than being pushed into heavy work schedules.
State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democrat from Orlando, warned that the bill could lead to students being forced into full-time work while still attending school. “We’re somehow going to solve the current labor shortage that we have in Florida that was worsened with anti-immigrant rhetoric with child labor,” Smith said. He stressed that teens are already allowed to work part-time under existing laws and that the current regulations serve an important protective purpose.
Even some Republicans have expressed discomfort with the bill. Senator Joe Gruters of Sarasota said, “I think we need to let kids be kids.” Gruters explained that he supports the idea of teens working, but he believes existing laws already provide a good balance and removing too many guardrails could send the wrong message.
Florida Joins a National Trend of Loosening Teen Work Laws
Florida’s proposed bill follows a national trend where states are rolling back child labor protections. Since 2021, states like Arkansas, Iowa, and Ohio have passed laws allowing teens to work longer hours or take on riskier jobs. Conservative groups have pushed these changes, often arguing that families, not governments, should decide what work teens are allowed to do.
For example, in Iowa, Republican Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law allowing 15-year-olds to work in light manufacturing and 16- and 17-year-olds to take jobs like roofing under supervised work programs.
Supporters of the Florida bill often point out that federal labor laws still ban dangerous work for those under 18, such as mining and meatpacking. However, critics remain worried that even legally allowed jobs can lead to excessive work hours that interfere with education and well-being.
Uncertain Future for the Bill
The bill has advanced through several stages in the Florida House, where a full vote could come soon. However, its future in the Senate remains unclear. Some legislative committees that would need to hear the bill have already stopped meeting for the session, making it uncertain whether the proposal will make it to the governor’s desk this year.
House Speaker Daniel Perez expressed hesitation about teenagers working late or overnight on school nights. “I’m concerned about the impact this could have on kids’ ability to learn,” he said.
Senator Gruters also voiced concern, saying, “The guardrails we are removing are important. Even if they go beyond federal law, they serve a purpose.”
About 100,000 minors are already working part-time in Florida. If DeSantis’ proposal becomes law, many of them could find themselves eligible for much longer shifts and new types of work, dramatically reshaping the landscape for young workers across the state.
FAM Editor: This is an issue that very much affects the American culture – do we allow young people to work? There may be some truth in the assertion that children should not become forced labor. But the problem is that our children are not learning a work ethic and when they find themselves as adults in the labor market they don’t want to put in the effort. Whether or not this helps with a labor shortage, I believe this is a good idea.
In case you are wondering, I was a farm kid and I worked my ass off growing up – and gratefully so, since this was considered part of being a man. When I was a kid, I followed my dad around on the farm until he gave me work to do.
