9 min read

Places That Hire at 16 in Tallahassee, FL

Discover entry-level restaurant jobs and labor rules for 16-year-olds seeking work in Tallahassee, FL.

Teen working at a fast food restaurant counter in Tallahassee

Places That Hire at 16 in Tallahassee, FL: Key Takeaways

  • 16-year-olds in Tallahassee can work entry-level roles like crew member, cashier, host/hostess, and busser in restaurants.
  • Florida’s minimum wage is $12.00/hour as of late 2023, increasing annually to $15.00 by 2026.
  • New 2024 labor law changes allow more flexible work hours for teens with waivers and exemptions available.

If you’re 16 and looking to earn in Tallahassee, FL, there are solid opportunities mainly in food-service sectors.

This guide covers available jobs, popular fast food and fast casual restaurants hiring at 16, and work-hour rules you’ll want to know.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Tallahassee, FL?

At 16, you can typically start in entry-level restaurant roles that involve customer service and basic food preparation.

Common positions include:

  • Crew Member: Taking orders, preparing food, and keeping the area clean. Learn more about the fast food worker job description to understand what is expected.
  • Cashier: Handling payments and interacting with customers. Check out the cashier job description for detailed duties.
  • Host/Hostess: Greeting and seating customers in sit-down restaurants. Review the hostess job description to grasp the role.
  • Busser: Clearing and resetting tables to maintain restaurant flow. See the busser job description for an overview.

Wages in Florida start at a minimum of $12.00 per hour for these jobs, with possible increases based on employer and experience.

Employers can find helpful tips on restaurant staff hiring to attract and retain young workers in these roles.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Tallahassee

Fast-food chains are often the go-to employers for teen workers, offering flexible hours and training on the job.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers, ideal for beginners looking to gain experience.

Burger King

Burger King employs teens aged 16 for team member roles and cashier positions, focusing on customer service and food prep.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers opportunities for 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers with responsibilities covering order taking and dining area upkeep.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires 16-year-olds for team member and cashier jobs, offering a fast-paced environment to develop skills.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A enables 16-year-olds to join as team members, emphasizing a hospitable and customer-focused experience.

KFC

KFC offers team member and cashier roles to 16-year-olds, where you can engage in food preparation and service.

Subway

Subway hires teens 16+ as sandwich artists, where you prepare menu items and assist customers.

Arby's

Arby's employs 16-year-olds for team member and cashier roles, focusing on food prep and customer interaction.

Restaurant owners looking to improve their hiring process can explore the how to hire a cashier guide.

Need to hire employees?
OR
Looking for top paid jobs?

Fast-Casual Restaurants Hiring at 16 in Tallahassee

Fast-casual dining offers a slightly upgraded experience from fast food but still hires younger workers for entry-level roles.

Panera Bread

Panera hires associates and cashiers at 16, letting you work both front-of-house and kitchen prep duties.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

At Chipotle, 16-year-olds can start as crew members, assisting with food prep and order fulfillment in a fast-casual setting.

Moe's Southwest Grill

Moe’s offers team member positions to 16-year-olds, where you’ll work on food assembly and customer service.

For employers targeting this segment, the how to hire restaurant staff fast article can provide valuable strategies.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Tallahassee?

Florida updated child labor laws effective July 1, 2024, giving more work hour flexibility for 16- and 17-year-olds.

During school sessions, teens may work more than 30 hours weekly if a parent, guardian, or school superintendent grants a waiver.

Additionally, working more than eight hours on holidays and Sundays is permitted, even if school is the next day.

If working over four continuous hours and more than eight hours in a day, a 30-minute break is required.

Teens enrolled in home education or approved virtual programs can be exempt from some hour restrictions.

Employers can also find tips in the restaurant labor shortage spotlight to better manage scheduling challenges.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Tallahassee

For teens interested in advancing within the hospitality industry, exploring the hostess interview questions can be a good start to prepare for future job opportunities.

FAQs About Places That Hire at 16 in Tallahassee, FL

16-year-olds in Tallahassee can work entry-level restaurant jobs such as crew member, cashier, host/hostess, and busser.

Popular fast-food places such as McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, KFC, Subway, and Arby's hire 16-year-olds.

As of July 1, 2024, Florida allows 16- and 17-year-olds more flexible work hours with waivers and exemptions, including longer hours during holidays.

Yes, if a teen works more than four continuous hours and over eight hours in a day, a 30-minute break is required.

Useful resources include the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Employment Law Handbook websites.