Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill to allow Florida teens to work more hours a week

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a measure into law Friday that originally drew criticism during this year’s legislative session and was dubbed a “child labor” bill by opponents. The final version DeSantis signed, however, was watered down by a Senate amendment, which satisfied labor advocates. While the first iterations of Employment and Curfew of Minors (HB 49) allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to work more than 40 hours a week and more than eight hours a day without breaks, the final result says 16-and 17-year-olds can’t work more than 30 hours a week unless they obtain parental permission. Home schoolers and virtual school students, however, do not need parental permission. The law also prohibits 16- and 17-year-olds from working more than…