Florida Youth Employment Laws for Restaurants: Hours, Work Permits and Prohibited Duties

Florida Youth Employment Laws for Restaurants: Key Takeaways

Minors aged 14-15 have restricted working hours during school days and expanded hours during holidays and summer.
Employers must keep proof-of-age documentation, but Florida does not require work permits for minors.
Minors under 18 are prohibited from hazardous duties such as operating power-driven machinery, cooking over open flames, or handling alcohol.

Florida regulates youth employment in restaurants by setting strict limits on working hours, outlining required documentation, and forbidding hazardous job duties for minors.

This article explains these laws to help restaurant employers stay compliant and protect young workers.

For guidance on compliant job ads, see job posting compliance.

1. Florida Minor Work Hour Restrictions in Restaurants

Florida youth employment laws set specific work hour limits to ensure the safety and well-being of minors in restaurants.

Work Hours for Minors Aged 14 and 15

During school days, minors aged 14 and 15 may not work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. They are limited to 3 hours of work on school days and a maximum of 15 hours per week.

During school holidays and summer vacations, their permissible work hours expand to between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., with allowances of up to 8 hours per day and a total of 40 hours per week.

If you employ teens in quick-service settings, review fast-food age rules.

Work Hours for Minors Aged 16 and 17

Older minors aged 16 and 17 have more lenient restrictions. When school is in session, they may work no earlier than 6:30 a.m. and no later than 11 p.m.

On school days, they can work up to 8 hours daily and a maximum of 30 hours weekly. During holidays and summer breaks, these restrictions are lifted, allowing them to work unlimited hours.

Clarify age requirements in postings when scheduling older minors.

2. Florida Minor Work Permit and Documentation Requirements

Unlike many other states, Florida does not require work permits for minors to be employed, including in restaurants.

However, employers must obtain and maintain proof of age for their minor employees. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, driver’s license, or other legal proof confirming the minor's age.

This documentation requirement helps ensure compliance with labor laws and protects both the employer and employee.

3. Prohibited Duties for Minors in Florida Restaurants

Youth employment laws in Florida restrict minors from engaging in hazardous duties that may jeopardize their safety.

Key prohibited tasks for minors under 18 in restaurants include:

Operating power-driven machinery such as meat slicers or bakery machines.
Working in freezers or meat coolers where low temperatures pose risks.
Cooking over open flames or using deep fryers unless equipped with automatic shut-off devices.
Handling, serving, or selling alcoholic beverages.
Operating motor vehicles as part of job duties.
Working on scaffolding or ladders over six feet high.

To understand alcohol service thresholds, check the legal age to serve alcohol.

Employers must carefully assign responsibilities and provide training to adhere to these restrictions and maintain a safe workplace.

Review the dishwasher duties to assign safe tasks.

4. Compliance Tips for Restaurant Employers in Florida

To remain compliant with Florida’s youth employment laws, restaurant employers should:

Verify the age of all minor employees and retain age documentation on file.
Monitor work schedules to ensure minors do not exceed permissible work hours based on their age and school status.
Assign job duties carefully, avoiding all prohibited tasks.
Train supervisors and managers on youth labor laws and safe work practices.
Maintain clear records of hours worked and duties assigned to minor employees.

For front-of-house roles, see the hostess job description.

Consider the busser job description for non-hazardous duties.

Also review the food runner job description for minors.

For broader recruiting ideas, explore places hiring at 16.

5. Where to Find Official Florida Youth Labor Law Resources

Restaurants seeking to review or update their youth employment policies can consult authoritative sources for detailed guidance.

Florida Youth Employment Laws for Restaurants: Conclusion

Florida provides comprehensive regulations governing minors’ employment in restaurants, focusing on hours of work, documentation, and safety.

By respecting the specific hour limits for different age groups, maintaining proper proof of age, and restricting minors from hazardous duties, restaurant employers can foster a compliant and secure work environment for young workers.

Staying informed and consulting official resources ensures ongoing adherence to these laws.

01. What are the work hour limits for minors aged 14 and 15 in Florida restaurants?

Minors aged 14 and 15 may work a maximum of 3 hours on school days and up to 15 hours per week, restricted to working between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. During holidays, work hours extend to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

02. Does Florida require work permits for minors?

No, Florida does not require work permits for minors. However, employers must keep valid proof of age documentation for all minor employees.

03. What hazardous duties are minors prohibited from performing in restaurants?

Minors under 18 are prohibited from operating power-driven machinery, cooking over open flames, handling alcohol, working in freezers, and other hazardous tasks as outlined by Florida youth employment laws.

04. What are some compliance tips for restaurant employers in Florida regarding youth employment?

Employers should verify age documentation, monitor work hours, carefully assign duties, train managers on labor laws, and maintain clear records of minors’ work activities.

05. Where can I find official guidance on Florida youth labor laws?

Official guidance is available from sources like the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, the Florida Senate, and the U.S. Department of Labor.