April 1, 2025

Testimony on HB 1225 Before the Florida House Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee

The remarks below were provided during the Florida House Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee on House Bill (HB) 1225, legislation that would further erode child labor protections in Florida.

We believe that we should let kids be kids. 

This bill ends many of the work restrictions currently in place for kids as young as 14. It would allow for unlimited hours, without breaks, even when school is in session. 

Now, there’s an amendment that would lower the age to 13 for agricultural work.

Right now, parents must expressly give their permission through a waiver process, but nothing in this bill requires parental permission. In fact, the bill would exclude parents from decisions about how long their kids can work, which only erodes a parents rights.

Over 83,000 of Florida teens aged 16 to 17 already work, and 72 percent of those teens are juggling work and school. Meanwhile, our absenteeism rate is at its second-highest level in 15 years.

We urge you to vote no on the bill.

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