Florida Lawmakers Amend Child Labor Bill to Exclude Roofing Jobs for Minors
In a significant twist to the child labor laws in Florida, a proposed amendment that would have allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to work as roofers will no longer be pursued. The bill in question, SB 460, initially sought to permit minors to take on more construction jobs, provided they received suitable supervision and training. The move, however, sparked widespread concern over allegations that it aimed to replace immigrant labor with teenagers for hazardous work.
Amendment to SB 460
Addressing these concerns, a Republican senator proposed an amendment to the bill, effectively removing the roofing provision. The revised bill would now permit minors to work on construction jobs at residential properties, albeit with certain restrictions. They would be prohibited from climbing scaffolding, superstructures, roofs, and ladders exceeding six feet in height.
The Controversy Surrounding SB 460
The bill was co-sponsored by Florida Senator Keith Perry, who owns a roofing company, Perry Roofing Contractors, previously found guilty multiple times of violating federal wage and hour laws. The proposed legislation drew significant influence from lobbying groups representing employers in the construction and restaurant industries, which have historically been against higher minimum wages and pro-worker policies.
Industry and Public Reaction
Despite these changes, contractors employing minors must adhere to all federal regulations. The amendment has sparked concerns from various groups and a public opinion survey indicated that 72% of registered Florida voters opposed the changes. Senator Perry defended the bill, citing his own experience founding a roofing company at 17 and downplayed the risks of minors working in construction. However, the proposed amendments have raised questions about potential violations of child labor laws and specific job opportunities for minors.
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