Federal Court Cites Florida Water Park With Child Labor Violations, Ordered to Pay Damages

On October 21st, the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor, a federal agency, cited a North Florida employer—the owner and operator of a waterpark—for violation of child labor laws. 1944 Beach Boulevard LLC—a company that owns Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach—will pay more than $150,000 and furnish other relief to resolve child labor law violations under the Fair Labor standards Act (FLSA).

The Charge: 14 and 15 Year Old Employees Worked Later than Allowed By Law 

Adventure Landing (1944 Beach Boulevard LLC) has been cited by the DOL for violations of the child labor laws included within the FLSA. Federal investigators determined that supervisors at the company breached federal child labor laws by allowing 14 and 15-year-olds to work beyond legally permitted hours. Specifically, the DOL determined that these minors were:

• Assigned shifts after 7:00 PM on school nights; and
• Assigned shifts after 9:00 PM on Friday nights.

The FLSA strictly forbids employers from working 14 year old and 15 year olds past 7 p.m. on weeknights and past 9 p.m. on weeknights from the day after Labor Day until May 31. In other words, children of this age cannot work these hours during the school year.

Additional Violation: 14 Year Old Employed in Illegal Position

 The federal court also cited the North Florida employer for an additional violation of the child labor protections within the FLSA. Specifically, the court determined that the company hired 14-year-old employees as attendants on elevated water slides—a position requiring specific certifications and deemed too hazardous for minors under the law.

 An Overview of the Sanctions Against the Central Florida Employer 

As a consequence of these violations, the DOL has imposed—and the federal court in Florida has confirmed—significant penalties against Adventure Landing. In total, the company will pay $151,606 in civil money penalties. Beyond that, the Florida employer has agreed to a compliance agreement to enhance and enforce child labor laws within its operations. The employer will:

• Review and upgrade their training programs regarding child labor regulations;
• Ensure that such training is accessible and translated as necessary; and
• Develop a protocol for managers to report any child labor violations.

Child Labor Laws Protect the Well-Being and Educational Future of Minors 

Child labor laws in the United States are designed to protect minors from exploitation and ensure their right to a safe working environment and education. These laws restrict the types of jobs minors can undertake, the hours they are allowed to work, and the conditions under which they may be employed. Employers that violate these laws can be held accountable.

 Get Help From an Employment Lawyer in Florida 

All employers in Florida are required to comply with all applicable state and federal child labor regulations. The failure to do so can lead to serious sanctions. If you have any questions related to the employment of a minor, please do not hesitate to contact a Florida employment lawyer for help.