Mylag Team
Jan 17, 2026
Jobs, pay, schedules, and your rights at work.
For many teenagers, getting a job is an important step toward independence, but it also comes with legal rights and responsibilities that are often overlooked. In Florida, and under federal laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act, there are strict rules about how many hours minors can work, what jobs they are allowed to do, and how they must be paid. Employers are required to follow these laws, but teens may not always recognize when their rights are being violated such as being scheduled for too many hours, paid incorrectly, or asked to perform hazardous work. This guide is designed to help young workers understand labor laws, protect themselves in the workplace, and make informed decisions about their employment while balancing school and other responsibilities.
Getting a Job as a Teen (Schedules and School)
Minimum Age to Work in Florida
You must be at least 14 years old to work in Florida.
Children 13 or younger cannot work.
Exceptions include: a parent's own business, newspaper delivery (age 10+), and the entertainment industry.
Differences Between Working at Ages 14–15 and 16–17
Ages 14–15:
May work a maximum of 15 hours per week during the school year.
Limited to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days.
Cannot work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. in summer).
Must receive a 30-minute break every 4 hours.
During summer, you may work up to 40-hour weeks.
Ages 16–17:
May work up to 30 hours per week during the school year.
Limited to 8 hours per day.
Cannot work before 6:30 a.m. or after 11:00 p.m.
May work additional hours on Sundays and holidays.
Must receive a 30-minute break every 4 hours.
During summer, there is no weekly hour limit.
Age-Restricted Jobs (Teens Legally Cannot Do)
The law restricts teens under 18 from working in dangerous jobs.
Prohibited jobs include: manufacturing or storing explosives, logging, operating power-driven machines, exposure to radioactive materials, coal mining, roofing, excavation, meat packing or slaughtering, and several others.
Work Permits and Parental Consent
Florida does not require a state-issued work permit.
Employers must keep proof of your age on file, such as an ID or work certificate.
Some schools may require permission to work during school hours, depending on school policy — not state law.
Jobs in Family-Owned Businesses
Special exceptions apply for family businesses, but hazardous or prohibited jobs are still off-limits.
This exception only applies if the parent owns the business.
'Independent Contractor' A Red Flag
If a company labels you an independent contractor, proceed with caution.
True independent contractors choose their own hours, supply their own tools, and serve multiple clients.
If a company controls your schedule, supervises your work, and provides your equipment, you are legally an employee — not a contractor.
It is important to receive the proper benefits and legal protections that come with employment.
Late Hours and Overtime
Employers must follow curfew rules based on your age and cannot schedule you past legal limits.
Employers can be fined up to $2,500 per violation.
If you work more than 40 hours in a week, you are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times your regular rate.
This is less common for teen workers, but you should still track your hours.
If you are pressured to work illegal hours, you may refuse without fear of being lawfully fired for it.
Pay and Wages
Florida Minimum Wage
As of September 30, 2025, Florida's minimum wage is $14.00 per hour.
On September 30, 2026, the minimum wage will increase to $15.00. Beginning in 2027, the minimum wage will be adjusted annually for inflation.
This applies to all workers, including teens.
There is no lower "youth minimum wage" in Florida.
Tipped Jobs
If you work in a tipped position, your employer may pay a lower 'cash wage' — provided your tips make up the difference to reach minimum wage.
The cash wage as of September 2025 is $10.98 per hour.
Your employer cannot take your tips or force you to share them with managers.
Tip pools shared among coworkers are allowed if the split is fair.
Training Wages
While federal law permits employers to pay a lower wage during the first 90 days, Florida law does not.
In Florida, workers must be paid the full minimum wage from day one.
If an employer tells you they have a 'training wage' below $14/hour, they are wrong or being dishonest.
Pay Frequency
Employers must establish a regular payday and inform you of when it is.
Most commonly, employees are paid weekly, biweekly (every two weeks), or semi-monthly (twice a month).
You should always receive a pay stub showing your hours, rate, deductions, and gross/net pay.
Never accept cash payment without documentation.
Illegal Deductions and Late Pay
Your employer cannot deduct money from your paycheck if it brings your effective pay below minimum wage. If this occurs, you can report it as wage theft.
What to Do If You Don't Get Paid on Time:
Ask your employer about the missing payment, in writing.
Document your hours worked with photos of schedules and timecards.
If unresolved, file a wage complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division.
Act quickly — wage claims have deadlines!
Breaks, Working Conditions, and Rights at Work
Breaks
Minors must receive a 30-minute unpaid lunch break for every four hours of continuous work.
For workers over 18, Florida law does not require breaks — but any break provided by the employer must be paid.
Employers must provide free drinking water and reasonable bathroom access.
Safety at Work
Employers must provide shade, water, and rest for outdoor jobs to prevent heat illness.
Employers are required to maintain a workplace free from serious hazards, including proper training, safety equipment, safe electrical systems, and protection from dangerous chemicals.
Minors are not permitted to work in hazardous jobs.
Protection from Retaliation and Discrimination
It is illegal for an employer to fire or punish you for reporting safety violations or wage theft.
Protections also exist against harassment or bias based on race, sex, religion, disability, and other characteristics.
Workplace Harassment
Sexual harassment is never acceptable. This includes: unwanted touching, sexual comments or jokes, requests for sexual favors, displaying sexual images, or creating a hostile environment based on sex.
Harassment based on race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics is illegal.
You have the right to a harassment-free workplace. Report harassment to your employer first, then to the EEOC if it is not resolved.
Illegal Tasks
Your employer cannot require you to engage in any illegal activity. This includes: operating equipment you are too young to use, working hours or tasks that violate child labor laws, or working without pay.
You may refuse an illegal instruction without legal consequence.
Documentation
You are legally permitted to record conversations you are a part of, photograph schedules, and keep a log of incidents as evidence.
Getting Fired, Quitting, and Discipline
'At-Will' Employment
Florida is an 'at-will' employment state, meaning an employer may terminate your employment at any time, for any legal reason — or no reason at all.
You may also quit at any time.
However, employers cannot fire you for illegal reasons, such as discrimination or retaliation.
Fired for Calling Out Sick
You can technically be fired for missing work, even with a doctor's note, unless you are protected by specific laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which cover disabilities and serious health conditions.
Quitting
You are not legally required to give two weeks' notice, but failing to do so may damage professional relationships and result in a poor reference.
Final Paychecks
While there is no specific legal deadline for a final paycheck, it should generally be issued by the next regular payday.
Employers cannot withhold a final paycheck as leverage.
Blacklisting
It is illegal for employers to conspire to prevent you from obtaining future jobs. However, employers are permitted to provide honest, factual references about your job performance.
Injuries, Accidents, and Compensation
If you are injured on the job, you have specific rights regardless of your age or the legality of the business.
Immediate Action
Seek medical help first.
Notify your supervisor immediately.
Document everything — take photos and write down exactly what happened.
Workers' Compensation Basics
Most employers with four or more employees are required to carry insurance that covers 100% of medical bills and a portion of lost wages.
If you were injured while the employer was violating child labor laws, you may be entitled to double compensation.
Deadlines
You must report an injury to your employer within 30 days.
A formal workers' compensation claim must be filed within 2 years.
Medical Rights
You have the right to a one-time change of doctor if you are dissatisfied with the first one.
You should never have to pay a medical bill out of pocket for an on-the-job injury.
Informal Work ('Off the Books')
Cash Payments Are Legal If...
The employer still reports the wages to the IRS, withholds taxes, and provides pay stubs.
Self-Employment
Jobs like babysitting or lawn care are generally permissible. However, if someone else schedules and supervises you, you are legally an employee and entitled to minimum wage and all associated protections.
The Risks of 'Under the Table' Work
No minimum wage protection.
No workers' compensation if you are injured.
No unemployment benefits if you are terminated.
No Social Security credits toward your future.
Taxes
If you earn more than $14,600 (as of 2024), you are required to file a federal tax return. Even if you earn less, filing can help you recover any withheld taxes.
Exploitation Red Flags
Working 20+ hours per week for a single 'client,' being paid far below minimum wage, or being told to keep the job secret are warning signs of illegal exploitation.
For more information and rules about working in Florida for Teens: