16- and 17-Year-Olds

• In Florida, 16- and 17-year-olds are not allowed to work more than 30 hours a week while in school and no more than 8 hours a day. They must also not work late night hours between 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. when school is in session and when the following day is a school day.
  
  

14- and 15-Year-Olds

• 14- and 15-year-olds in Florida have an even stricter set of rules that govern the hours they are allowed to work during the school year. They must not work more than 15 hours a week or 3 hours a day. However, they are allowed to work up to 8 hours a day during summer break when they are not in school.
  
  

Children Under 14

• Florida prohibits employment of children under the age of 14. However, children under 14 may be allowed to do farm and agricultural work with the consent of their parents.
  
  

Certificates Required for Employment

• When employing minors, the employer has to keep appropriate records of each child's age. Birth certificates or age certificates provided by the minors' schools are acceptable documents. In the past, work permits were required, but this is no longer the case.
  
  

Exceptions

• Minors over age 16 who have already finished high school may be exempt from ordinary regulations regarding the employment of minors. Minors who are employed by their parents may also be exempt. School superintendents may issue certificates of exemption and the Florida Department of Labor may also issue waivers when appropriate.