Florida Teens Could Work Longer Hours Under Bill Passed by House

Florida would let 16- and 17-year-olds work later and longer hours on school nights under a bill that won approval in the state House.

The measure (HB 49) that passed 80-35 on Thursday is one of at least two proposals to relax child labor limits that are advancing through the Florida legislature this session. The second proposal (SB 460), which is working its way through Senate committees, would expand the types of construction jobs that underage workers can perform, among other provisions aimed at boosting career and technical education for teenagers.

Supporters of the Republican-backed bills ...