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Can you work at 14 in Florida?

In Florida, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. Florida does not require a state work permit. At 14 and 15 you can work up to 3 h on a school day, 15 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week. 16- and 17-year-olds also have hour limits.

State law · checked October 2026

No work permitPermit until 16Permit until 18Most jobs from 16

Work permit in Florida

Florida has no work permit. Employers must get and keep proof of age for the whole time a minor works there (s. 450.045). Accepted proof: copy of birth certificate, driver license or passport/visa, or an age certificate from the local school board. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in Florida

Ages 14–15Ages 16–17
School day3 h8 h
School week15 h30 h
Non-school day8 h—
Non-school week40 h—
Time of day7 a.m.–7 p.m. when school is the next day; 7 a.m.–9 p.m. during holidays and summer vacation6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. when school is the next day; no state time limits on other nights or in summer

State law (s. 450.081) applies to minors 15 and younger. The 3-hour school-day limit does not apply when there is no school the next day. No more than 6 days in a row in a week. Florida's 15-hour school-week cap is stricter than federal (18). Federal FLSA ends work at 7 p.m. from Labor Day to May 31 on every night, including Friday and Saturday, so the stricter federal rule wins on those nights. The 8-hour limit applies only when school is the next day, and not on holidays or Sundays. The 30-hour cap applies only during weeks when school is in session. A parent or custodian, or the school superintendent or designee, may waive it on a DBPR form. Teens may not work during school hours unless they are in a career education program. Exempt: high school graduates or GED holders, minors with a superintendent's certificate of exemption or hardship waiver, some home-education or virtual students, and minors employed by their parents. The DOL table (as of 2025-07-15) lists 16–17 as '8-30-6 school day/week'. Since HB 49 (2024), the statute applies its 6-consecutive-day limit only to minors 15 and younger.

Breaks: Under 16: at least a 30-minute meal break after no more than 4 hours in a row. 16–17: anyone working 8 or more hours in a day must get a 30-minute meal break after no more than 4 hours in a row (s. 450.081).

Recent law changes

  1. HB 49 (ch. 2024-25) changed 16–17 rules. A parent or the school superintendent can waive the 30-hour school-week cap. The 8-hour school-night limit no longer applies on holidays or Sundays. The 6-consecutive-day limit now applies only to minors 15 and younger. A 30-minute meal break is now required for 16–17-year-olds who work 8 or more hours. The 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. school-night window stays. Florida Statutes 2026 show no later amendment to s. 450.081. Source

Places that hire at 14 in Florida

Places that hire at 15 in Florida

Company minimums combined with Florida law. Franchise locations can set a higher age. “✓ seen here” means we found a real posting in Florida.

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Florida?

14 for most jobs. Florida law (s. 450.021) bars most work under 14. Exceptions: Legislature pages, entertainment industry (with approval), domestic or farm work at home or for parents. Newspaper sales and delivery allowed from 11. No one under 18 may work where alcohol is sold at retail (with exceptions in s. 562.13) or in an adult theater.

Do you need a work permit in Florida?

Florida has no work permit. Employers must get and keep proof of age for the whole time a minor works there (s. 450.045). Accepted proof: copy of birth certificate, driver license or passport/visa, or an age certificate from the local school board.

How many hours can a 15-year-old work in Florida?

Up to 3 h on a school day, 15 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week, between 7 a.m.–7 p.m. when school is the next day; 7 a.m.–9 p.m. during holidays and summer vacation.

How many hours can a 16-year-old work in Florida?

Florida limits 16- and 17-year-olds: 8 h on a school day, 30 h in a school week, 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. when school is the next day; no state time limits on other nights or in summer.

Which jobs hire at 14 in Florida?

Publix, Culver's, AMC Theatres, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Hy-Vee and others hire at 14 at some locations.

Sources

State agency: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Child Labor Program

  1. Florida Statutes s. 450.081 – Hours of work in certain occupations (2026 Statutes; last amended ch. 2024-25) (2026)
  2. Florida Statutes s. 450.021 – Minimum age (2026 Statutes) (2026)
  3. Florida Statutes s. 450.045 – Proof of age (2026 Statutes) (2026)
  4. CS/CS/HB 49 (2024) Employment – bill history, approved 2024-03-22, effective 2024-07-01 (2024)
  5. US DOL WHD – State child labor laws applicable to non-farm employment (hours/nightwork) (2025-07-15)
  6. US DOL WHD – Employment/Age Certification Issuance Practice Under State Child Labor Laws (2024-01-01)

Federal rules (the Fair Labor Standards Act) apply too; where they differ, the stricter rule wins. General information, not legal advice.