Places That Hire at 16 in FL: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in FL commonly get hired for cashier, crew member, and food prep roles in restaurants paying $13-$16/hour.
- Fast food chains like Whataburger, Zaxby's, and Dunkin' welcome workers aged 16+, offering flexible positions.
- State labor laws restrict working hours during school sessions: max 8 hours/day, 30 hours/week; no work before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m.
Teenagers aged 16 in Florida can access many entry-level jobs, especially in food service. These positions provide work experience and fair pay.
Employers looking to attract young workers can benefit from understanding places that hire at 16 and how to effectively recruit them.
Understanding which places hire and labor law limits allows young workers to find suitable employment safely.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in FL?
In Florida, 16-year-olds often start with jobs that require minimal prior experience but build essential skills. Common roles include cashiers, crew members, and food preparation staff.
These positions involve responsibilities such as taking orders, handling payments, assembling food items, and maintaining cleanliness. The work is usually fast-paced and customer-oriented.
Hourly wages for these jobs typically range from $13 to $16 depending on employer and location, offering a decent starting income for teenagers.
For employers, crafting a clear restaurant job description can help attract and retain suitable young candidates.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in FL
Several popular fast-food chains across Florida actively hire 16-year-olds, giving them valuable work exposure and flexible schedules.
Whataburger
At Whataburger, 16-year-olds can join as Team Members. Wage rates typically fall between $13 and $15 per hour, with responsibilities including food prep and customer service.
Zaxby's
Zaxby's offers cashier positions for 16-year-olds. Pay rates vary by location but provide a good opportunity for teens to gain retail experience.
Fast-food roles are well covered in the fast food worker job description and interview questions guides on OysterLink to assist employers in hiring diligently.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
This chain hires crew members aged 16 and over, often featuring flexible work schedules that accommodate school commitments.
Bojangles
At Bojangles, 16-year-olds can work as Restaurant Team Members earning between $14 and $18 per hour. Jobs include serving customers and food prep.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' employs crew members from age 16, with pay and schedules varying by store location. Positions include drink preparation and cashier duties.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in FL
Fast-casual spots also welcome younger workers, often under slightly different job titles and wages.
Chipotle
Chipotle hires 16-year-olds as Crew Members, offering a fast-paced environment focused on customer service and food assembly.
Understanding the roles available and how to hire can be enhanced by reviewing how to hire a cook strategies for kitchen positions.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack employs 16-year-olds as Restaurant Team Members with wages around $13 per hour, providing valuable restaurant experience.
Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's hires cashiers aged 16+, starting pay at $15 per hour. The position involves customer interaction and order processing.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in FL?
Florida labor law limits working hours for 16- and 17-year-olds to protect their education and well-being.
During school sessions, 16-year-olds:
- Cannot work before 6:30 a.m. or after 11:00 p.m. on nights before school days
- Are limited to a maximum of 8 hours per day
- May work up to 30 hours per week during the school term
These restrictions loosen during holidays and summer breaks, allowing more work flexibility.
For employers, knowing labor laws is crucial. The how to hire high performers spotlight offers guidance on attracting the best talent within legal limits.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in FL
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation: Child Labor FAQs
- Florida Department of Education: Child Labor Laws & Information
- U.S. Department of Labor: FLSA Child Labor Rules
Parents and employers can also benefit from the how to hire a cashier guide, which is useful for understanding the expectations and requirements of young cashiers.








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