Florida is grappling with a severe labor shortage, particularly in low-wage and hard-to-fill jobs within its tourism and agricultural sectors. In response, state lawmakers have introduced a new bill aimed at easing child labor restrictions.
The proposed legislation seeks to modify the hours that teenagers can work, a move designed to address the ongoing workforce gap exacerbated by stricter immigration policies. If passed, this bill could lead to significant changes in Florida's labor laws, particularly regarding teen employment.
The proposed legislation would allow children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts, including during school days. Currently, under Florida law, teens are restricted from working earlier than 6:30 AM or later than 11:00 PM. The new bill seeks to eliminate these work-hour limitations for certain groups, including home-schooled teenagers.
The bill passed through the Florida Senate's Commerce and Tourism committee with five votes in favor and four votes against. It will proceed to two more committees before being brought before the full Florida Senate for a final vote.
Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is backing the legislation, arguing that it could help solve the state's labor crisis.
At a recent panel discussion, DeSantis echoed former President Donald Trump’s stance on immigration, asserting that there is no need to import undocumented workers when young people could fill these jobs instead. He emphasized that, historically, teenagers worked in such positions, suggesting that this generation should do the same.
Despite the potential benefits, economists have raised concerns about the broader impact of relaxing child labor laws. Some argue that increasing the number of young workers in the state could drive up inflation or contribute to further labor shortages if businesses rely more heavily on younger employees.
There are also concerns about the long-term effects on the job market, as young workers may face intense competition for positions, which could lead to exploitation or unfair labor practices.
Child labor violations in Florida have spiked in recent years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Violations have nearly tripled, raising concerns about the effectiveness of labor protections in the state.
In 2023, Florida passed a law requiring employers with more than 25 employees to use the E-Verify database to check the immigration status of their workers. With fewer undocumented workers in the state, the bill seeks to fill these gaps with younger, more affordable labor.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, it’s important to consider its long-term effects. While it may address immediate labor shortages, critics warn that loosening child labor protections could lead to worker exploitation and further strain the state’s job market.
If the bill passes, Florida could see a shift in its labor dynamics, as businesses look to younger employees to fill roles traditionally occupied by immigrants or older workers. Time will tell whether this legislative change will help or hinder the state’s economy in the long run.
