A proposed Florida bill would allow 16 and 17-year-olds to work longer hours, exceeding eight hours on school nights and allowing 30-hour work weeks without mandatory meal breaks. It would also remove overnight work restrictions for some 14 and 15-year-olds.
Gov. Ron DeSantis argues the changes will help businesses fill positions left by deported migrants.
“Getting that half-hour break exactly at four hours or exactly at the right time so we don’t violate is really hard,” said Gregory Cohen, owner of Lofty Pursuits, a candy store.
For some business leaders, like a soda fountain owner in Tallahassee, the bill makes sense, offering a larger labor pool. Supporters believe it’ll ease staffing shortages. However, critics worry it could exploit young workers and harm their education.
“We just hope it’s not going to lead to kids having to make a tough decision as to whether they need to work or if they can do those things that everybody wants to do when they’re kids,” said Cliff and Shannon Sherry, owners of Doggie Dayz, a pet daycare facility.
Sadaf Knight from the Florida Policy Institute notes that extended hours are already possible through waivers involving parental or school consent. Without such safeguards, students might struggle to balance work and academics.
