Florida considers allowing children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts

In Florida, the legislature is currently debating a bill that aims to loosen existing child labor laws. This proposal includes provisions that would permit children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts, even on school nights. It is seen as a response to labor shortages following stricter enforcement against undocumented workers, making it harder for employers to fill low-paying jobs that frequently go unfilled. Governor Ron DeSantis supports this bill, arguing it could effectively use teenage workers as a means to address the workforce gap created by immigration policies implemented in 2023. Critics, however, warn that allowing such work hours could lead to exploitation and adverse effects on youth education and well-being. The proposed changes have already sparked a fierce debate within the Florida Senate, with proponents framing the issue as one of parental rights in deciding their children's work schedules, while opponents raise alarms about the potential for long hours and diminished protections for young workers. The broader context includes a concerning increase in child labor law violations in Florida, with reported cases almost tripling between 2019 and 2022, underscoring the urgency of these discussions. As the bill progresses, discussions around child safety, education, and workforce dynamics are likely to intensify, shaping the future of labor laws in Florida.