Smart Fix or Teen Exploitation in Florida?

Sarah Parker April 4, 2025

Florida’s recently enacted child labor law has ignited a significant debate across the state and beyond. This new legislation permits 16 and 17-year-old workers to clock in more than 8 hours a day and exceed 30 hours a week without mandatory breaks, raising concerns about the well-being of young workers. Additionally, it lifts restrictions for 14 and 15-year-olds who meet specific criteria, allowing them to enter the workforce under certain conditions. This controversial change has sparked discussions about the implications for youth employment and potential exploitation.

The primary objective of this legislative update appears to be addressing labor shortages that have emerged amid a crackdown on immigration across the United States. However, opinions are divided on whether this approach serves as a beneficial solution for Florida’s economy or if it poses risks that may ultimately harm the state’s youth. Is this a pragmatic fix, or does it risk exploiting vulnerable teenagers in the workforce?

To shed light on this matter, The Shade Room’s correspondent A.B. Burns-Tucker is providing an in-depth analysis on ‘TSR Newz.’

Understanding the Implications of Florida’s New Child Labor Law

As reported by Burns-Tucker, Florida’s child labor law, formally known as House Bill 1225, narrowly advanced through the Senate, indicating a contentious legislative process. This new regulation is perceived as a strategy to mitigate the labor shortages exacerbated by significant deportations during the Trump administration. Rather than relying on foreign labor, the focus shifts to Florida’s youth, leveraging their potential to fill low-wage job gaps left by departed migrant workers.

“Under the new law, teens can now work before 6:30 a.m. and after 11 p.m. on school nights. Furthermore, teenagers are permitted to work more than eight hours in a single day or exceed thirty hours weekly, even while school is in session, unless a parent or school superintendent intervenes,” Burns-Tucker elaborates. “The legislation also eases restrictions for younger teenagers, specifically those aged 14 and 15, allowing them to work if they have graduated high school or are enrolled in a virtual education program.”

Evaluating the Consequences: Economic Boost or Exploitation of Teens?

According to Burns-Tucker, the guidelines established by Florida’s new child labor law align closely with federal regulations concerning child labor, which raises questions about the welfare of young workers. While the law may provide immediate relief to Florida’s labor market, there are concerns that it could undermine the educational opportunities available to the state’s youth in the long term.

For more insights, scroll above to view as the host discusses how these updated guidelines could potentially bolster the state’s economy while simultaneously posing risks to the educational development of young individuals. The conversation highlights the need for a careful balance between addressing economic needs and safeguarding the interests of Florida’s youth.