Florida Republicans Push Child Labor to Replace Deported Workers
Florida’s Republican-led legislature is considering a bill that would significantly weaken child labor protections, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work unlimited hours, including overnight shifts, without breaks. This follows a state crackdown on immigrant workers, creating labor shortages in industries like tourism and agriculture. Supporters argue the bill addresses these shortages by allowing teenagers to fill the void, while critics warn of potential exploitation and abuses. The bill’s passage would represent a drastic rollback of existing child labor safeguards.
John Q. Hosedrinker