To hire a child (anyone under the age of 18) at the University of Florida, the hiring department must:
- Complete the UF Child Labor Law Certification for Employees Under 18 Form
This form requires the approval and signature of the hiring authority, and dean, director or vice president. Its purpose is to ensure the University of Florida complies with federal and state child labor laws.
- Complete the Parental/Guardian Authorization for Treatment of Minors (under age 18) form
- Include the UF Child Labor Law Certification for Employees Under 18 Form and the Parental/Guardian Authorization for Treatment of Minors form with any OPS or salaried appointment documentation submitted with the Hiring ePAF.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
This act sets wages, hours worked, and safety requirements for minors (individuals under 18) working in jobs covered by this statute. The regulations vary depending upon the particular job involved. Also, the FLSA generally prohibits the employment of a minor in work declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor (for example, work involving excavation, driving, and the operation of many types of power-driven equipment). For a list of prohibited duties for a minor, please visit the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation website.
The State of Florida sets the following restrictions on employment of minors:
- Minors are NOT permitted to work during normal school hours unless they are enrolled in a school-to-work experience program, career education, or other program declared exempt by the state, or have received a partial waiver.
- Minors may work no more than 4 consecutive hours without a 30-minute uninterrupted break.
Minors Under 16
- School in Session: Cannot work more than three (3) hours when school is scheduled for the following day and up to EIGHT (8) hours on other days when school does not follow.
- School Not in Session: May work eight (8) hours per day between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. on days when there isn’t school the next day and up to FORTY (40) per week on non-school weeks and during summer vacation.
Minors 16 and 17
- School in Session: The allowable hours are: 30 hours per week when school is in session; eight hours per day between 6:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. if school is scheduled the following day.
- School Not in Session: There are no limitations on hours worked when school is not scheduled the following day, during holidays, and summer vacations.
All departments must comply with the provision of the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage, and Hour Division and the Florida Child Labor Law, which is administered by the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security. Please visit these links for the most recent information.