Florida child labor laws contain penalty provisions that provide for both criminal and civil penalties. Those potential penalties are discussed below.
Criminal penalties
Employers or other entities who violate Florida’s child labor laws are guilt of a 2nd degree misdemeanor, punishable as provided in Florida Statutes 775.082 or 775.083.
Civil penalties
In addition to potential criminal charges, employers or other entities who violate Florida’s child labor laws may be subject to administrative fines not to exceed $2,500 per offense. Before a fine may be levied, Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation must give the employer or other entity notice that it believes a violation has occurred, the provision of the child labor law believed to be violated, the facts support the allegation, the remedial requirement, and the time frame in which the requirement must be met. Fines may only be levied if the employer or other entity fails to remedy the violation within the time given in the notice. Below are potential violations and the fine structure developed by Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation:
- Child labor poster not posted conspicuously
- 1st Offense – up to $500
- 2nd Offense – up to $1,000
- 3rd Offense – up to $1,500
- Employment of minor in violation of age limitations
- 1st Offense – up to $700
- 2nd Offense – up to $1,500
- 3rd Offense – up to $2,500
- Proof of age or copy of partial waiver of child labor law not on file
- 1st Offense – up to $700
- 2nd Offense – up to $1,200
- 3rd Offense – up to $2,000
- Employment of minor in violation of alcoholic beverage law
- 1st Offense – up to $1,000
- 2nd Offense – up to $1,500
- 3rd Offense – up to $2,500
- Child labor poster not posted conspicuously
- 1st Offense – up to $500
- 2nd Offense – up to $1,000
- 3rd Offense – up to $1,500
- Violation of work hours restrictions of the child labor law
- 1st Offense – up to $700
- 2nd Offense – up to $1,200
- 3rd Offense – up to $2,500
- Employment of minor in prohibited hazardous occupations
- 1st Offense – up to $1,200
- 2nd Offense – up to $1,700
- 3rd Offense – up to $2,500
- Employment of minor in violation of any child labor law provision that results in injury or death to a minor
- 1st Offense – up to $500
- 2nd Offense – up to $2,500
- 3rd Offense – $2,500
- Any other violation of the Florida child labor laws
- 1st Offense – up to $500
- 2nd Offense – up to $1,500
- 3rd Offense – up to $2,500
