Florida’s Shocking Solution to Labor Shortages: More Teen Workers!

In a controversial move to address workforce shortages, Florida lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow teenagers to work longer hours—especially on school nights. This comes after the state’s recent immigration crackdown led to an exodus of undocumented workers, leaving major industries struggling to fill positions.

The proposed bill, which has already passed in the Florida Senate, would make significant changes to child labor laws. If approved, 16- and 17-year-olds could work before 6:30 a.m. and after 11 p.m. on school nights, while also being allowed to work more than the current limit of 30 hours per week. The law would also remove mandatory meal breaks for shifts lasting eight hours. Some provisions could also apply to 14- and 15-year-olds under specific conditions, such as being home-schooled or working for their parents.

Why the Change?

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other supporters argue that these changes would help fill labor gaps left by undocumented workers who have left the state due to strict immigration laws. “Why do we say we need to import foreigners, even illegally, when teenagers used to work these jobs?” DeSantis questioned in a recent speech.

The sectors most affected by the labor shortage include agriculture, construction, and hospitality—industries that previously relied heavily on immigrant workers. According to reports, Florida had over 390,000 undocumented workers in key economic sectors before the crackdown, many of whom have since left.

Criticism and Concerns

However, the bill has sparked outrage among labor rights groups, educators, and even some lawmakers. Critics argue that allowing minors to work longer hours could negatively impact their education, mental health, and overall well-being.

Jason Oberlink, a representative from labor advocacy group Florida For All, warned that the proposal could lead to exploitation, saying, “This is just another way to replace one underpaid workforce with another.”

Democratic Representative Anna Eskamani also questioned whether Florida’s labor shortage was self-inflicted. She pointed out that the state’s strict immigration policies forced many workers to leave, and now the solution seems to be putting minors to work. “Instead of offering fair wages and attracting adult workers, they want to bring in teenagers and pay them less,” she said.

What’s Next?

The proposal still needs approval from the Florida House before it can be signed into law. If it passes, Florida will join a growing list of states looking to loosen child labor laws to combat labor shortages. However, federal labor laws still impose restrictions, meaning that even if the state law changes, businesses must comply with national regulations regarding hazardous jobs and working conditions for minors.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear, Florida is willing to take bold steps to solve its labor crisis. The question is: At what cost?