A Business-Minded Approach To Employment Law

What does Florida law have to say about working hours for teens? – II

On Behalf of | Mar 3, 2016 | Employment Disputes |

Now that the spring semester is in full swing, many teens are not only hitting the books, but also pounding the pavement in search of a job for the upcoming summer months and possibly into the next school year. Indeed, a position at a local restaurant or retail establishment could help defray the costs of everything from clothing and car insurance to cell phone bills and college expenses.

As we started discussing last time, however, those teens who are looking, about to start a new job or are already working must understand that their employers can’t force them to work beyond what is considered legally permissible under Florida law.

While we discussed the applicable work hour restrictions for minors between 14 and 15 in our last post, today’s post will focus on those between 16 and 17.

What is the maximum number of hours that they are allowed to work during the summer months?

When school is out for the summer, 16- and 17-year olds are subject to no hour limitations, meaning they are essentially free to work as many hours per week and/or per day as they wish.

What about when school is in session?

State law dictates that 16- and 17-year olds may not work more than 30 hours during any given school week and no more than eight hours in a given day when school is in session the following day (i.e., Sundays through Thursdays).

In addition, they cannot work for more than six consecutive days at a time.

What about other work hour restrictions?   

When school is in session the following day, 16- and 17-year olds cannot work prior to 6:30 a.m. or anytime after 11 p.m.

From failures to pay minimum wage to work hour violations, please consider speaking with an experienced employment attorney to avoid these pitfalls such that employee rights are not violated.  

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