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Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration has proposed significant changes to Florida’s child labor laws, part of a broader push that could see more teenagers entering the workforce. DeSantis has floated the idea of a younger workforce as a potential solution to replace migrant labor due to ongoing labor shortages.
This policy direction coincides with a growing shift in public opinion nationwide. A recent survey conducted by ResumeTemplates showed increasing support for teen employment, especially as a tool to fill labor gaps and manage rising operational costs.
According to the survey, 37% of Americans are in favor of loosening child labor restrictions. This includes 22% who would eliminate limits on working hours for minors and 20% who back lowering the minimum age for employment. A smaller fraction, 8%, support allowing minors to work in high-risk environments such as construction or factory settings.
The majority of respondents expressed support for employing American teens rather than relying on migrant labor. Over half (51%) favored U.S. companies hiring teens—within the current legal framework—over foreign workers.Â
Supporters cited benefits to American youth, a desire to reduce dependency on foreign labor, and alignment with a domestic-first policy approach.
Americans are also open to expanding teen employment as a strategy to control inflation and offset the rising costs associated with tariffs. Nearly half of those surveyed supported the idea of businesses hiring eligible teenagers to help lower operational expenses.
However, views were more divided on wages. While many agree that older teens should earn at least the federal minimum wage, 30% believe workers under 16 do not need to be paid at that level. A smaller portion held even stricter views, with 8% saying only 17-year-olds should earn minimum wage, and 4% opposing minimum wage for all minors.
Despite differences on compensation, there is widespread agreement that work experience offers developmental advantages for teenagers. Around 80% of Americans believe jobs help teens build responsibility and gain valuable life skills. Majorities also credit teen jobs with supporting independence, enhancing work ethic, and improving social skills. Over half see employment as beneficial for career exploration and future job prospects.
As lawmakers in Florida consider scaling back child labor protections, public sentiment suggests a willingness to see younger workers take on a greater role in the U.S. labor force — though the debate over how far these changes should go remains ongoing.
