Who enforces child labor law in Florida? Just 7 state employees, plus the feds
Who enforces child labor law in Florida Just 7 state employees, plus the feds Orlando Weekly
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Who Enforces Child Labor Law in Florida? Just 7 State Employees, Plus the Feds
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As Florida Republicans look to relax child labor regulations at the behest of the construction and tourism industries, critics argue that the state’s capacity to enforce the law is lacking as it is, and that the state should consider ways to strengthen protections for minors in the workplace, not undermine them.
Proposed Changes to Child Labor Law in Florida
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One bill proposed for the 2024 legislative session (HB 49) would gut restrictions on the number of hours 16- and 17-year-olds can work, allowing employers to schedule them for full-time hours during the school year. This would give employers, who currently can’t schedule minors more than 30 hours per week, the green light to work older teens later hours, and even put them on overnight shifts when they have school the next day.
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Another proposal (SB 460) would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work jobs currently deemed too hazardous for minors in roofing and construction — an industry that accounts for the highest number of workplace fatalities in the state and the largest share of unlicensed activity complaints. The bill outlines certain safety precautions — such as requiring minors to work under the supervision of an adult and to first obtain OSHA certification — but federal data shows there’s already a dearth of supervisors available on these worksites anyway.
The new proposals, while not unique to Florida, come at an awkward time to say the least, and demonstrate that Republicans’ favored mantra of “protect the children” only really goes so far. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of U.S. minors employed in violation of child labor law has spiked 88% since 2019, in part attributed to factors such as a tight labor market and an influx of unaccompanied minors coming into the U.S. seeking work to help support their families.
Lack of Enforcement in Florida
Enforcement and policy experts told Orlando Weekly that the capacity for enforcing child labor protections in Florida — through workplace inspections, investigations and employer training — is already failing to keep kids safe, and that loosening the law will put more vulnerable children at risk.
According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the agency tasked with enforcing Florida’s child labor law, there are just seven agency employees in the state who are dedicated to child labor enforcement. Just seven to protect the tens of thousands of teenagers in Florida’s workforce from exploitation.
During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the agency received 257 child labor complaints, a spokesperson confirmed. Only five of those resulting in enforcement action (which, under state law, is a fine of up to $2,500 per offense). During the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the agency received 220 complaints, of which 30 resulted in enforcement action.
Staff analysis
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
- SDG 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of child labor violations reported and investigated
- Number of child labor enforcement staff
- Number of fines imposed for child labor violations
- Number of hours worked by 16- and 17-year-olds
- Number of workplace fatalities in industries employing minors
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor. | – Number of child labor violations reported and investigated – Number of fines imposed for child labor violations – Number of child labor enforcement staff |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. | – Number of hours worked by 16- and 17-year-olds |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | – Number of workplace fatalities in industries employing minors |
Note: The indicators listed are based on the information provided in the article. Additional indicators may be relevant based on further research and data availability.
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Source: orlandoweekly.com
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