FL · child performers
Florida minor entertainment work permit
Federal FLSA exempts child performers from the federal age and hour minimums (29 USC § 213(c)(3); 29 CFR § 570.122), leaving the regulation to each state. Florida runs a dedicated minor-entertainment framework with a state-issued permit, age-banded time-on-set caps, and on-set requirements. Below is the full Florida framework, drawn from the state labor code and the issuing agency's guidance.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes
- Min performer age
- No minimum
- Studio teacher
- Not required by state
- Trust account
- Not state-mandated
- Age bands
- 3 regulated
- Last verified
The Child Labor Variance (entertainment-industry)
Issued by: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Child Labor Program
Florida requires the permit before a minor performer reports to set. Pre-production notice to the state labor agency is the first step; the permit is tied to the individual minor, not the production, so a minor on multiple productions needs the permit current for each engagement.
Time-on-set caps by age band
Florida regulates the total time at the workplace — work + school + rest combined — not just performance time. Each age band has its own daily cap. The breakdown of work vs. school vs. rest within the cap is shown in the notes where the state publishes it.
| Age band | Max hr / day at workplace | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 yr | 6 hr | Hours and conditions for performers under 6 are set case-by-case in the variance; default cap rarely exceeds 6 hours at the workplace. |
| 6–15 yr | 8 hr | Variance can extend the standard daily cap when school attendance is maintained (on-set tutor or excused absence). |
| 16–17 yr | 10 hr | Variance can lift the standard 11 PM curfew and 30 hr/week school-year cap to accommodate production schedules. |
How Florida actually enforces this
Florida regulates child performers significantly lighter than California or New York: there is no statewide trust-account (Coogan-equivalent) requirement and no mandatory on-set studio teacher. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation grants a written variance from the standard child-labor caps when a parent or guardian applies on behalf of a minor working in motion-picture, TV, or theatrical productions. Conditions vary by production and are spelled out in the variance order.
Citation
F.S. § 450.155 (entertainment-industry employment of children); F.S. § 450.061(2) (variance from standard child-labor rules)