- Bill allows 16-17-year-olds to work overnight shifts on school nights
- 14-15-year-olds may work extended hours with parental consent
- Maintains federal protections against hazardous youth employment
- 5-4 committee vote reflects partisan divide on labor reforms
Florida legislators are advancing a contentious proposal to reshape child labor regulations as the state grapples with workforce shortages. SB 1596 would permit teenagers aged 16-17 to work until 11:30 PM on school nights and exceed eight-hour shifts before classes – a significant departure from current 7 PM curfews. Sponsor Senator Jay Collins (R-Tampa) framed the bill as empowering families during Tuesday's committee hearing: This isn’t about corporations – it’s about letting Florida parents decide what’s best for their children’s work ethic and schedules.
The hospitality industry faces a 12% staffing deficit according to Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association data, creating pressure to expand labor pools. Governor Ron DeSantis echoed this sentiment at a New College of Florida event: Why import undocumented workers when our own students can gain valuable experience?However, Texas saw a 17% increase in high school dropout rates after similar 2021 reforms, per Urban Institute analysis – a cautionary tale for policymakers.
Opposition groups emphasize potential consequences for vulnerable communities. Florida for All representative Jackson Oberlink testified: This targets children in migrant farmworker families already working 20-hour weeks during harvest seasons.The legislation maintains federal overtime pay requirements but removes state-specific protections against consecutive late shifts.
Tourism-dependent counties like Orange and Miami-Dade could see immediate impacts. Walt Disney World currently employs 2,300 minors during peak seasons, with union contracts limiting under-18 workers to six-hour shifts. Industry analysts suggest the bill might enable extended park hours during holiday periods through youth staffing.
Education advocates highlight academic risks – Florida’s high school graduation rate ranks 35th nationally at 81%. Dr. Maria López, Tampa School Board member, warns: Teens working past 10 PM average 14% lower math scores according to our district’s 2023 survey.The bill includes no academic performance safeguards beyond parental oversight.
As the proposal moves through two additional committees, national labor groups monitor Florida’s approach. Seven states have enacted similar youth work hour expansions since 2020, creating a patchwork of regulations that complicate multi-state business operations. The final Senate vote could occur as early as March 2024.
