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Rules Protect Youngsters In The Work Force

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 28, 2008

RULES FOR YOUNGER WORKERS
Summer jobs can provide teens with opportunities to learn important life skills, gain hands-on experience and earn money to spend or save. Federal and state rules regarding young workers strike a balance between ensuring sufficient time for educational opportunities and work experiences.

•Permits or working papers issued to minors by schools and agencies in some states are not required in Florida.

•Employees must be at least 16 years old to work in most jobs and at least 18 to work in those declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor.

•The Department of Labor stipulates that teens age 14 and 15 may work in jobs not related to manufacturing, mining or other hazardous duties, but they are limited to no more than three hours on school days, and 18 hours a week when school is in session. When school is not in session, they are limited to working eight hours a day and 40 hours a week. Work days for that age group may not begin before 7 a.m. or end after 7 p.m., except from June 1 through Labor Day, when evening hours are extended to 9.

•The labor department exempts minors younger than 16 from those hour limitations if they are married, graduated from an accredited high school, hold a high school equivalency diploma, serve in the military or have court authorization or a partial waiver from a public school or the federal Bureau of Child Labor.

•Minors may work no more than four consecutive hours without a 30-minute uninterrupted break.

Sources: Department of Labor ; www.youthrules.dol.gov

RULES FOR YOUNGER WORKERS

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