The bill amends section 450.081 of the Florida Statutes, which governs the employment of minors, specifically targeting the restrictions placed on minors aged 16 and 17. It removes several limitations that previously prohibited these minors from working before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m. on school nights, from working more than 8 hours in a single day when school is scheduled the next day, and from exceeding 30 hours of work in a week during school sessions. Additionally, the bill eliminates the provision that allowed the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to grant waivers for these restrictions.
The bill also revises the exceptions to these restrictions, allowing minors aged 14 and 15 to work under certain conditions, such as holding a valid certificate of exemption or being enrolled in specific educational programs. It clarifies that the previous restrictions do not apply to minors who have graduated high school or received a high school equivalency diploma, as well as those in home education or approved virtual instruction programs. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.