It’s
that time of year. Many young people are out looking for full and
part-time summer jobs. So, what considerations do you have
as a business owner?
Young
workers can be an asset to your workforce; however, young workers have unique
and substantial risks for work-related injuries and illnesses due to a variety
of factors. On-the-job injuries to young workers may be significant
and costly.
There
are also several laws and procedures to consider when hiring a minor:
Posting Requirements
Employers
who hire minors must display a poster in a conspicuous place on the property or
place of employment notifying them of the Child Labor Law.
Child labor posters may be obtained through this website by calling Child Labor
Compliance at 1-800-226-2536.
Free Child Labor Laws Poster
www.laborposters.org/florida/97-florida-child-labor-laws-poster.htm.
Documentation
Requirements
Employers
are required to keep waiver authorizations, proof of age documentation, and
proof of exemption from minor status for all employees who are under 18. These
records must be maintained for the duration of the minor’s employment. Unless exempt from the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), the records must be
kept until the minor turns 19.
Parental Permission to Hire
Employers
are not required by law to have permission from the parents to employ their
minor child. However, we strongly encourage employers to include parents
in the process.
Work Permits
“Work
Permits” and/or “Working Papers” are not required in Florida and
are not issued by either the schools or any governmental agency in Florida.
Please see Waivers.
Hour Limitations
Minors
are limited in the hours they may work to permit them to attend and
complete their educational responsibilities. Go here for more
information: www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/reg/childlabor/documents/ChildLaborBrochureEnglish.pdf
Breaks
Minors
may work no more than 4 consecutive hours without a
30-minute uninterrupted break.
Exemptions
Minors
are exempt from the hour limitations of the Child Labor Law if they have been
married, graduated from an accredited high school, or hold a high school
equivalency diploma, served in the military, have been
authorized by court order, or been issued a partial waiver by the public
school or the Child Labor Program.
Safety
Each
year minors suffer injuries in the workplace. OSHA has recommendations and
guidelines regarding this area. You can view
these at: www.osha.gov/youngworkers/index.html.
Also,
please visit the following website for additional training tips for minor
workers: www.cdc.gov/niosh/talkingsafety/states/fl/2015-124/default.html.
Waivers
The
Florida Child Labor Law is designed to serve and protect
minors and encourage them to remain in school. At times, however, some minors
feel the law conflicts with their best interest or their life circumstances are
such that they need to work. Minors have the right to request
that the Child Labor Office exempt them from parts of the Child Labor Law. For
detailed information on waivers call 1-850-488-3131.
Penalties
Employment
of minors, in violation of Florida, child labor laws may result in fines up to
$2,500 per offense and/or be guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor.
More Information
Employers
who have an interest in learning more about Florida’s child labor law may request training by contacting the Bureau of Child Labor at
1-800-226-2536 or 850-488-3131.
We support you’re giving young people the
opportunity to learn your business, learn what a work ethic is and have some
spending money or money for future education.
It’s great for the future of our country. However, we encourage you to
take the right steps to protect both you and them!
