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The Florida Senate

2024 Florida Statutes

Title XXXI LABOR
Chapter 450
MINORITY LABOR GROUPS
CHAPTER 450
CHAPTER 450
MINORITY LABOR GROUPS
PART I
CHILD LABOR
(ss. 450.001-450.165)
PART II
MIGRANT LABOR
(ss. 450.175-450.261)
PART III
FARM LABOR CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION
(ss. 450.27-450.39)
PART I
CHILD LABOR
450.001 Short title.
450.012 Definitions.
450.021 Minimum age; general.
450.045 Proof of identity and age; posting of notices.
450.061 Hazardous occupations prohibited; exemptions.
450.081 Hours of work in certain occupations.
450.095 Waivers.
450.121 Enforcement of Child Labor Law.
450.132 Employment of children by the entertainment industry; rules; procedures.
450.141 Employing minor children in violation of law; penalties.
450.151 Hiring and employing; infliction of pain or suffering; penalty.
450.155 Funding of the Child Labor Law program.
450.161 Chapter not to affect career education of children; other exceptions.
450.165 Child labor law and farm labor accounts.
450.001 Short title.—Part I of this chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Child Labor Law.”
History.—s. 2, ch. 81-192.
450.012 Definitions.—For the purpose of this chapter, the word, phrase, or term:
(1) “Farm work” includes all agricultural labor performed upon farms.
(2) “Farm” includes stock, dairy, poultry, fruit, fur-bearing animal, and truck farms; ranches; nurseries; and orchards.
(3) “Child” or “minor” means any person 17 years of age or younger, unless:
(a) The person is or has been married;
(b) The person’s disability of nonage has been removed by a court of competent jurisdiction;
(c) The person is serving or has served in the Armed Forces of the United States;
(d) It has been found by a court having jurisdiction over the person that it is in the best interest of such minor to work and the court specifically approves any employment of such person, including the terms and conditions of such employment; or
(e) The person has graduated from an accredited high school or holds a high school equivalency diploma.
(4) “Department” means the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
(5) “Entertainment industry” means any group, entity, organization, or individual, in which the services of any minor are rendered in any capacity in conjunction with any motion picture, television, video, audio, theatrical, or still photography, using any format whether now existing or hereafter developed, including, but not limited to, theatrical film, commercial, documentary, television, radio, and/or cable, by any medium, whether now existing or hereafter developed, including theater, television, audiocassette, or videocassette; legitimate theaters or photography; recording; modeling; theatrical productions or publicity; rodeos; circuses; musical performances; or any other performances where minors perform.
History.—s. 1, ch. 75-195; s. 3, ch. 81-192; s. 35, ch. 83-174; s. 8, ch. 91-147; s. 25, ch. 95-345; s. 135, ch. 2000-165; s. 61, ch. 2002-194.
450.021 Minimum age; general.—
(1) Minors of any age may be employed:
(a) As pages in the Florida Legislature.
(b) By the entertainment industry as prescribed in ss. 450.012 and 450.132.
(c) In domestic or farm work in connection with their own homes or the farm or ranch on which they live, or directly for their own parents or guardian, or in the herding, tending, and management of livestock, during the hours they are not required by law to be in school.
(2) No person 10 years of age or younger shall engage in the sale and distribution of newspapers.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (1), no person 13 years of age or younger shall be employed, permitted, or suffered to work in any gainful occupation at any time.
(4) No person 17 years old or younger, whether or not such person’s disabilities of nonage have been removed by marriage or otherwise, shall be employed, permitted, or suffered to work in any place where alcoholic beverages are sold at retail, except as provided in s. 562.13.
(5) In order to better ensure the elimination of minors being exploited and becoming victims of human trafficking, a person under the age of 18, whether or not such person’s disabilities of nonage have been removed by marriage or otherwise, may not be employed, permitted, or suffered to work in an adult theater, as defined in s. 847.001(2)(b).
History.—s. 1, ch. 28240, 1953; s. 2, ch. 57-224; s. 1, ch. 75-195; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 4, ch. 81-192; s. 9, ch. 91-147; s. 2, ch. 92-151; s. 4, ch. 2014-160.
450.045 Proof of identity and age; posting of notices.—
(1) Any person who hires, employs, or suffers to work any child shall, in addition to the limitations provided in this part, first obtain and keep on record during the entire period of such employment proof of the child’s age. This requirement shall be satisfied by:
(a) A photocopy of the child’s birth certificate;
(b) A photocopy of the child’s driver license;
(c) An age certificate issued by the district school board of the district in which the child is employed, certifying the child’s date of birth; or
(d) A photocopy of a passport or visa which lists the child’s date of birth.
(2) Any person who hires, employs, or suffers to work any minor shall post at a conspicuous place on the property or place of employment, where it may be easily read, a poster notifying minors of the Child Labor Law, to be provided by the division upon request.
(3)(a) In order to provide the department and law enforcement agencies the means to more effectively identify, investigate, and arrest persons engaging in human trafficking, an adult theater, as defined in s. 847.001(2)(b), shall obtain proof of the identity and age of each of its employees or independent contractors, and shall verify the validity of the identification and age verification document with the issuer, before his or her employment or provision of services as an independent contractor.
(b) The adult theater shall obtain and keep on record a photocopy of the person’s driver license or state or federal government-issued photo identification card, along with a record of the verification of the validity of the identification and age verification document with the issuer, during the entire period of employment or business relationship with the independent contractor and for at least 3 years after the employee or independent contractor ceases employment or the provision of services.
(c) The department and its agents have the authority to enter during operating hours, unannounced and without prior notice, and inspect at any time a place or establishment covered by this subsection and to have access to age verification documents kept on file by the adult theater and such other records as may aid in the enforcement of this subsection.
(d) A person who owns, operates, or manages an adult theater who violates this subsection commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 5, ch. 81-192; s. 10, ch. 91-147; s. 5, ch. 2014-160; s. 10, ch. 2019-152; s. 2, ch. 2023-86.
450.061 Hazardous occupations prohibited; exemptions.—
(1) No minor 15 years of age or younger, whether or not such person’s disabilities of nonage have been removed by marriage or otherwise, shall be employed or permitted or suffered to work in any of the following occupations:
(a) In connection with power-driven machinery, except power mowers with cutting blades 40 inches or less.
(b) In any manufacturing that makes or processes a product with the use of industrial machines.
(c) The manufacture, transportation, or use of explosive or highly flammable substances.
(d) Sawmills or logging operations.
(e) On any scaffolding.
(f) In heavy work in the building trades.
(g) In the operation of a motor vehicle, except a motorscooter which he or she is licensed to operate, except that 14-year-old and 15-year-old workers may drive farm tractors in the course of their farmwork under the close supervision of their parents on a family-operated farm, and except that qualified 14-year-old and 15-year-old workers may drive tractors in the course of their farmwork under the close supervision of the farm operator. “Qualified,” as used herein, means having completed a training course in tractor operation sponsored by a recognized agricultural or vocational agency, as evidenced by duly executed certificate, such certificate to be filed with the farm operator for the duration of the employment.
(h) In oiling, cleaning, or wiping machinery or shafting or applying belts to pulleys.
(i) In repairing of elevators or other hoisting apparatus.
(j) Work in freezers or meat coolers and all work in preparation of meats for sale, except wrapping, sealing, labeling, weighing, pricing, and stocking when performed in another area. This shall not prohibit work done in the normal operations of a food service facility licensed by chapter 509.
(k) In the operation of power-driven laundry or drycleaning machinery or any similar power-driven machinery.
(l) At spray painting.
(m) Alligator wrestling, work in connection with snake pits, or similar hazardous activities.
(n) Door-to-door selling of magazine subscriptions, candy, cookies, flowers, or other merchandise or commodities, except merchandise of nonprofit organizations, such as the Girl Scouts of America or the Boy Scouts of America.
(o) In working with meat and vegetable slicing machines.
(2) A minor under 18 years of age, regardless of whether such person’s disabilities of nonage have been removed, may not be employed or permitted or suffered to work in any of the following places of employment or in any of the following occupations, provided that paragraphs (b), (e), (g), (h), (j), (m), (o), and (q) do not apply to the employment of student learners under the conditions prescribed in s. 450.161:
(a) In or around explosive or radioactive materials.
(b) On any scaffolding, roof, superstructure, residential or nonresidential building construction, or ladder above 6 feet. A minor 16 or 17 years of age may be employed on any residential building construction if:
1. The minor 16 or 17 years of age has earned his or her Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10 certification and is under the direct supervision of a person who:
a. Has earned his or her Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10 certification.
b. Is 21 years of age or older.
c. Has at least 2 years of work experience related to the work he or she is supervising.
2. The minor 16 or 17 years of age is not working on any scaffolding, roof, superstructure, or ladder above 6 feet.
3. The work being performed by the minor 16 or 17 years of age is not in violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, any Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule, or federal law related to minors in the workplace.
(c) In or around toxic substances or corrosives, including pesticides or herbicides, unless proper field entry time allowances have been followed.
(d) Any mining occupation.
(e) In the operation of power-driven woodworking machines.
(f) In the operation of power-driven hoisting apparatus.
(g) In the operation of power-driven metal forming, punching, or shearing machines.
(h) Slaughtering, meat packing, processing, or rendering, except as provided in 29 C.F.R. s. 570.61(c).
(i) In the operation of power-driven bakery machinery.
(j) In the operation of power-driven paper products and printing machines.
(k) Manufacturing brick, tile, and like products.
(l) Wrecking or demolition.
(m) Excavation operations.
(n) Logging or sawmilling.
(o) Working on electric apparatus or wiring.
(p) Firefighting.
(q) Operating or assisting to operate, including starting, stopping, connecting or disconnecting, feeding, or any other activity involving physical contact associated with operating, a tractor over 20 PTO horsepower, any trencher or earthmoving equipment, fork lift, or any harvesting, planting, or plowing machinery, or any moving machinery.
(3) No minor under 18 years of age, whether such person’s disabilities of nonage have been removed by marriage or otherwise, shall be employed or permitted or suffered to work in any place of employment or at any occupation hazardous or injurious to the life, health, safety, or welfare of such minor, as such places of employment or occupations may be determined and declared by the department to be hazardous and injurious to the life, health, safety, or welfare of such minor.
(4) This section shall not apply to minors employed in the entertainment industry.
History.—s. 1, ch. 28240, 1953; s. 5, ch. 57-224; ss. 4, 5, ch. 61-182; s. 1, ch. 63-82; ss. 17, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 73-283; s. 2, ch. 75-195; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 11, ch. 78-95; s. 42, ch. 79-7; s. 36, ch. 83-174; s. 11, ch. 91-147; s. 1, ch. 92-151; s. 26, ch. 95-345; s. 1, ch. 96-356; s. 1076, ch. 97-103; s. 136, ch. 2000-165; s. 3, ch. 2024-125.
450.081 Hours of work in certain occupations.—
(1)(a) Minors 15 years of age or younger may not be employed, permitted, or suffered to work:
1. Before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. when school is scheduled the following day.
2. For more than 15 hours in any one week when school is in session.
(b) On any school day, minors 15 years of age or younger who are not enrolled in a career education program may not be gainfully employed for more than 3 hours, unless there is no session of school the following day.
(c) During holidays and summer vacations, minors 15 years of age or younger may not be employed, permitted, or suffered to work before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m., for more than 8 hours in any one day, or for more than 40 hours in any one week.
(2)(a) Minors 16 and 17 years of age may not be employed, permitted, or suffered to work:
1. Before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m. when school is scheduled the following day.
2. For more than 8 hours in any one day when school is scheduled the following day, except when the day of work is on a holiday or Sunday.
3. For more than 30 hours in any one week when school is in session. However, a minor’s parent or custodian, or the school superintendent or his or her designee, may waive the limitation imposed in this subparagraph on a form prescribed by the department and provided to the minor’s employer.
(b) On any school day, minors 16 and 17 years of age who are not enrolled in a career education program may not be gainfully employed during school hours.
(3) Minors 15 years of age or younger may not be employed, permitted, or suffered to work in any gainful occupation for more than 6 consecutive days in any one week.
(4) Minors 15 years of age or younger may not be employed, permitted, or suffered to work for more than 4 hours continuously without an interval of at least 30 minutes for a meal period; and for the purposes of this law, a period of less than 30 minutes is not deemed to interrupt a continuous period of work. Minors 16 and 17 years of age who are employed, permitted, or suffered to work for 8 hours or more in any one day as authorized by this section may not be employed, permitted, or suffered to work for more than 4 hours continuously without an interval of at least 30 minutes for a meal period.
(5) Subsections (1)-(4) do not apply to:
(a) Minors 16 and 17 years of age who have graduated from high school or received a high school equivalency diploma.
(b) Minors who are within the compulsory school attendance age limit and who hold a valid certificate of exemption issued by the school superintendent or his or her designee pursuant to s. 1003.21(3).
(c) Minors enrolled in an educational institution who qualify on a hardship basis, such as economic necessity or family emergency. The school superintendent or his or her designee shall make such determination and issue a waiver of hours to the minor and the employer. The form and contents thereof shall be prescribed by the department.
(d) Minors 16 and 17 years of age who are in a home education program or are enrolled in an approved virtual instruction program in which the minor is separated from the teacher by time only.
(e) Minors in domestic service in private homes, minors employed by their parents, or pages in the Florida Legislature.
(6) The department may grant a waiver of the restrictions imposed by this section pursuant to s. 450.095.
(7) The presence of a minor in any place of employment during working hours is prima facie evidence of his or her employment therein.
(8) An employer who requires, schedules, or otherwise causes a minor to be employed, permitted, or suffered to work in violation of this section commits a violation of the law, punishable as provided in s. 450.141.
History.—s. 1, ch. 28240, 1953; s. 24, ch. 57-1; s. 6, ch. 57-224; s. 6, ch. 61-182; ss. 17, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 73-283; s. 2, ch. 75-195; s. 6, ch. 81-192; s. 1, ch. 86-13; s. 12, ch. 91-147; s. 170, ch. 97-103; s. 137, ch. 2000-165; s. 1009, ch. 2002-387; s. 81, ch. 2005-2; s. 1, ch. 2024-25.
450.095 Waivers.—In extenuating circumstances when it clearly appears to be in the best interest of the child, the department may grant a waiver of the restrictions imposed by the Child Labor Law on the employment of a child. Such waivers shall be granted upon a case-by-case basis and shall be based upon such factors as the department, by rule, establishes as determinative of whether such waiver is in the best interest of a child.
History.—s. 7, ch. 81-192; s. 138, ch. 2000-165.
450.121 Enforcement of Child Labor Law.—
(1) The department shall administer this chapter. It shall employ such help as is necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter. Other agencies of the state may cooperate with the department in the administration and enforcement of this part. To accomplish this joint, cooperative effort, the department may enter into intergovernmental agreements with other agencies of the state whereby the other agencies may assist the department in the administration and enforcement of this part. Any action taken by an agency pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement entered into pursuant to this section shall be considered to have been taken by the department.
(2) It is the duty of the department and its agents and all sheriffs or other law enforcement officers of the state or of any municipality of the state to enforce the provisions of this law, to make complaints against persons violating its provisions, and to prosecute violations of the same. The department and its agents have authority to enter and inspect at any time any place or establishment covered by this law and to have access to age certificates kept on file by the employer and such other records as may aid in the enforcement of this law. A designated school representative acting in accordance with s. 1003.26 shall report to the department all violations of the Child Labor Law that may come to his or her knowledge.
(3) It is the duty of any trial court judge of any court in the state to issue warrants and try cases made within the limit of any city over which such trial court judge has jurisdiction in connection with the violation of this law.
(4) Grand juries have inquisitorial powers to investigate violations of this chapter; also, trial court judges shall specially charge the grand jury to investigate violations of this chapter.
(5) The department may adopt rules:
(a) Defining words, phrases, or terms used in the child labor rule or in this part, as long as the word, phrase, or term is not a word, phrase, or term defined in s. 450.012.
(b) Prescribing additional documents that may be used to prove the age of a minor and the procedure to be followed before a person who claims his or her disability of nonage has been removed by a court of competent jurisdiction may be employed.
(c) Requiring certain safety equipment and a safe workplace environment for employees who are minors.
(d) Prescribing the deadlines applicable to a response to a request for records under subsection (2).
(e) Providing an official address from which child labor forms, rules, laws, and posters may be requested and prescribing the forms to be used in connection with this part.
History.—s. 1, ch. 28240, 1953; ss. 17, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 73-283; s. 121, ch. 73-333; s. 26, ch. 73-334; s. 1, ch. 77-119; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 8, ch. 81-192; s. 37, ch. 83-174; s. 13, ch. 91-147; s. 27, ch. 95-345; s. 68, ch. 97-190; s. 10, ch. 98-149; s. 139, ch. 2000-165; s. 1010, ch. 2002-387; s. 10, ch. 2004-11; s. 13, ch. 2013-25.
450.132 Employment of children by the entertainment industry; rules; procedures.—
(1) Children within the protection of our child labor statutes may, notwithstanding such statutes, be employed by the entertainment industry in the production of motion pictures, legitimate plays, television shows, still photography, recording, publicity, musical and live performances, circuses, and rodeos, in any work not determined by the department to be hazardous, or detrimental to their health, morals, education, or welfare.
(2) The department shall, as soon as convenient, and after such investigation as to the department may seem necessary or advisable, determine what work in connection with the entertainment industry is not hazardous or detrimental to the health, morals, education, or welfare of minors within the purview and protection of our child labor laws. When so adopted, such rules shall have the force and effect of law in this state.
(3) Entertainment industry employers or agents wishing to qualify for the employment of minors in work not hazardous or detrimental to their health, morals, or education shall make application to the department for a permit qualifying them to employ minors in the entertainment industry. The form and contents thereof shall be prescribed by the department.
(4) Any duly qualified entertainment industry employer may employ any minor. However, if any entertainment industry employer employing a minor causes, permits, or suffers such minor to be placed under conditions which are dangerous to the life or limb or injurious or detrimental to the health or morals or education of the minor, the right of that entertainment industry employer and its representatives and agents to employ minors as provided herein shall stand revoked, unless otherwise ordered by the department, and the person responsible for such unlawful employment is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(5) Any entertainment industry employer and its agents employing minors hereunder are required to notify the department, showing the date of the commencement of work, the number of days worked, the location of the work, and the date of termination.
(6) The time spent by minors in rehearsals and in learning or practicing any of the arts, such as singing and dancing, for or under the direction of an entertainment industry employer, shall be counted as work time when such learning or practicing is connected with or is in contemplation of particular pictures or shows.
History.—s. 1, ch. 65-486; ss. 17, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 379, ch. 71-136; s. 1, ch. 73-283; s. 1, ch. 77-174; ss. 38, 39, ch. 83-174; s. 14, ch. 91-147; s. 28, ch. 95-345; s. 140, ch. 2000-165.
450.141 Employing minor children in violation of law; penalties.—
(1) Whoever violates any provisions of this law, or employs or permits or suffers any minor to be employed or to work in violation of this law, or of any order issued under the provisions of this law, or obstructs persons authorized under this law in the inspection of places of employment, and whoever, having under his or her control any minor, permits the minor to be employed or to work in violation of this law, shall for such offense be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Each day during which any violation of this law continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense, and the employment of any minor in violation of the law shall, with respect to each minor so employed, constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(2) Any person, firm, corporation, or governmental agency, or agent thereof, that has employed minors in violation of this part, or any rule adopted pursuant thereto, may be subject by the department to fines not to exceed $2,500 per offense. The department shall adopt, by rule, disciplinary guidelines specifying a meaningful range of designated penalties based upon the severity and repetition of the offenses, and which distinguish minor violations from those which endanger a minor’s health and safety.
(3) If the department has reasonable grounds for believing there has been a violation of this part or any rule adopted pursuant thereto, it shall give written notice to the person alleged to be in violation. Such notice shall include the provision or rule alleged to be violated, the facts alleged to constitute such violation, and requirements for remedial action within a time specified in the notice. No fine may be levied unless the person alleged to be in violation fails to take remedial action within the time specified in the notice.
History.—s. 1, ch. 28240, 1953; s. 380, ch. 71-136; s. 16, ch. 91-147; s. 171, ch. 97-103; s. 141, ch. 2000-165.
450.151 Hiring and employing; infliction of pain or suffering; penalty.—Any person who takes, receives, hires, employs, uses, exhibits, or, in any manner or under any pretense, causes or permits any child less than 18 years of age to suffer; who inflicts upon any such child unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering; who willfully causes or permits the life of any such child to be endangered or his or her health to be injured or such child to be placed in such situation that his or her life may be endangered or health injured; or who has in custody any such child for any of the purposes aforesaid is guilty of a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 1, ch. 28240, 1953; s. 381, ch. 71-136; 2, ch. 75-195; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 2, ch. 78-326; s. 1, ch. 83-75; s. 172, ch. 97-103.
450.155 Funding of the Child Labor Law program.—
(1) Child Labor Law program appropriations made by the Legislature shall be used to carry out the proper responsibilities of administering the Child Labor Law, to protect the working youth of the state, and to provide education about the Child Labor Law to employers, public school employees, the general public, and working youth.
(2) Moneys for the administration of the child labor program shall be transferred to the Professional Regulation Trust Fund from the Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund of the Department of Financial Services pursuant to nonoperating transfers.
History.—s. 17, ch. 91-147; s. 501, ch. 2003-261; s. 25, ch. 2004-234.
1450.161 Chapter not to affect career education of children; other exceptions.—Nothing in this chapter shall prevent minors of any age from receiving career education furnished by the United States, this state, or any county or other political subdivision of this state and duly approved by the Department of Education or other duly constituted authority, nor any apprentice indentured under a plan approved by the Department of Commerce, or prevent the employment of any minor 14 years of age or older when such employment is authorized as an integral part of, or supplement to, such a course in career education and is authorized by regulations of the district school board of the district in which such minor is employed, provided the employment is in compliance with the provisions of ss. 450.021(4) and 450.061. Exemptions for the employment of student learners 16 to 18 years of age are provided in s. 450.061. Such an exemption shall apply when:
(1) The student learner is enrolled in a youth vocational training program under a recognized state or local educational authority.
(2) Such student learner is employed under a written agreement that provides:
(a) That the work of the student learner in the occupation declared particularly hazardous shall be incidental to the training.
(b) That such work shall be intermittent and for short periods of time and under the direct and close supervision of a qualified and experienced person.
(c) That safety instructions shall be given by the school and correlated by the employer with on-the-job training.
(d) That a schedule of organized and progressive work processes to be performed on the job shall have been prepared.

Each such written agreement shall contain the name of the student learner and shall be signed by the employer, the school coordinator and principal, and the parent or legal guardian. Copies of each agreement shall be kept on file by both the school and the employer. This exemption for the employment of student learners may be revoked in any individual situation when it is found that reasonable precautions have not been observed for the safety of minors employed thereunder. A high school graduate may be employed in an occupation in which he or she has completed training as a student learner, as provided in this section, even though he or she is not yet 18 years of age.

History.—s. 1, ch. 28240, 1953; s. 7, ch. 61-182; ss. 15, 17, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 69-300; s. 1, ch. 73-283; s. 2, ch. 75-195; s. 40, ch. 83-174; s. 29, ch. 95-345; s. 2, ch. 96-356; s. 400, ch. 2011-142; s. 27, ch. 2011-213; s. 221, ch. 2024-6.
1Note.—As amended by s. 400, ch. 2011-142, and s. 221, ch. 2024-6. For a description of multiple acts in the same session affecting a statutory provision, see preface to the Florida Statutes, “Statutory Construction.” The introductory paragraph of s. 450.161 was also amended by s. 27, ch. 2011-213, and that version reads:

450.161 Chapter not to affect career education of children; other exceptions.—Nothing in this chapter shall prevent minors of any age from receiving career education furnished by the United States, this state, or any county or other political subdivision of this state and duly approved by the Department of Education or other duly constituted authority, nor any apprentice indentured under a plan approved by the Department of Education, or prevent the employment of any minor 14 years of age or older when such employment is authorized as an integral part of, or supplement to, such a course in career education and is authorized by regulations of the district school board of the district in which such minor is employed, provided the employment is in compliance with the provisions of ss. 450.021(4) and 450.061. Exemptions for the employment of student learners 16 to 18 years of age are provided in s. 450.061. Such an exemption shall apply when:

450.165 Child labor law and farm labor accounts.—The department shall maintain separate accounts in the Professional Regulation Trust Fund for child labor law enforcement and administration activities and for farm labor registration activities. The department shall account for the expenditure of moneys received from the Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund of the Department of Financial Services. To the maximum extent possible, the department shall directly charge all expenses to the appropriate account.
History.—s. 26, ch. 2004-234.
PART II
MIGRANT LABOR
450.175 Part title.
450.181 Definitions.
450.191 Executive Office of the Governor; powers and duties.
450.251 Interstate Compact on Migrant Labor.
450.261 Interstate Migrant Labor Commission; Florida membership.
450.175 Part title.—This part may be cited as the “Alfredo Bahena Act.”
History.—s. 4, ch. 2005-210.
450.181 Definitions.—As used in part II, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:
(1) “Migrant labor camp” means those migrant labor camps as defined in s. 381.008(5).
(2) “Office” means the Executive Office of the Governor.
(3) The term “migrant laborer” has the same meaning as migrant or seasonal farm worker as defined in s. 316.003.
History.—s. 18, ch. 69-106; s. 155, ch. 77-104; s. 140, ch. 79-190; s. 26, ch. 95-144; s. 7, ch. 2006-81; s. 78, ch. 2016-239.
450.191 Executive Office of the Governor; powers and duties.—
(1) The Executive Office of the Governor is authorized and directed to:
(a) Advise and consult with migrant and seasonal workers and their employers as to the ways and means of improving living and working conditions of migrant and seasonal workers.
(b) Cooperate with the Department of Health in establishing minimum standards of preventive and curative health and of housing and sanitation in migrant labor camps and in making surveys to determine the adequacy of preventive and curative health services available to occupants of migrant labor camps.
(c) Provide coordination for the enforcement of ss. 381.008-381.0088 and ss. 450.27-450.38.
(d) Cooperate with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in coordinating and enforcing all applicable labor laws, including, but not limited to, those relating to private employment agencies, child labor, wage payments, wage claims, and farm labor contractors.
(e) Cooperate with the Department of Education to provide educational facilities for the children of migrant laborers.
(f) Cooperate with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to establish minimum standards for the transporting of migrant laborers.
(g) Cooperate with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to conduct an education program for employers of migrant laborers pertaining to the standards, methods, and objectives of the office.
(h) Cooperate with the Department of Children and Families in coordinating all public assistance programs as they may apply to migrant laborers.
(i) Coordinate all federal, state, and local programs pertaining to migrant laborers.
(j) Cooperate with the Department of Commerce in the recruitment and referral of migrant laborers and other persons for the planting, cultivation, and harvesting of agricultural crops in Florida.
(2) The office shall arrange, through the Department of Health, for the provision of the supplementary services set forth in paragraph (1)(b) to the extent of available appropriations. Such services may be provided through the use of one or more traveling dispensaries, or by contract with physicians, dentists, hospitals, or clinics, or in such manner as may be recommended by the Department of Health.
History.—s. 18, ch. 69-106; s. 155, ch. 77-104; s. 141, ch. 79-190; s. 40, ch. 81-169; s. 54, ch. 91-297; s. 218, ch. 99-8; s. 142, ch. 2000-165; s. 62, ch. 2002-194; s. 6, ch. 2004-64; s. 401, ch. 2011-142; s. 267, ch. 2014-19; s. 222, ch. 2024-6.
450.251 Interstate Compact on Migrant Labor.—The Governor on behalf of this state is hereby authorized to execute a compact, in substantially the following form, with any one or more of the states of the United States, and the Legislature hereby signifies in advance its approval and ratification of such compact:

INTERSTATE MIGRANT LABOR COMPACT

MEMBER JURISDICTION.—The compact for migrant labor is entered into with all jurisdictions legally joining therein and enacted into law in the following form:

INTERSTATE MIGRANT LABOR COMPACT

ARTICLE I

PURPOSE AND POLICY.—

A. It is the purpose of this compact to:

1. Establish and maintain close cooperation and understanding of migrant labor programs among executive, legislative, and local government bodies and lay leadership on a nationwide basis at the state and local levels.

2. Provide a forum for the discussion, development, crystallization, and recommendation of public policy alternatives in a continuing effort to meet the problems arising from the interstate flow of migrant labor.

3. Provide a clearinghouse of information on matters relating to migrant labor problems and how they are being met in different places throughout the nation, so that the executive and legislative branches of state government and of local communities may have ready access to the experience and record of the entire country, and so that both governmental and lay groups in the field may have additional avenues for the sharing of experience and the interchange of ideas in the formation of public policy for migrant labor.

4. Facilitate the improvement of state and local programs, so that all of them will be able to meet adequate and desirable goals in a society which requires continuous qualitative and quantitative advancement, and provides means whereby the party states can coordinate programs, devise agreements for consistent application of programs, and increase the effectiveness of programs.

B. It is the policy of this compact to encourage and promote local and state initiative in the development, maintenance, improvement, and administration of migrant labor programs in a manner which will accord with the needs and advantages of diversity among localities and states.

C. Further, it is the policy of this compact that the party states recognize that each of them has an interest in the quality of the programs offered in each of the other states, as well as in the excellence of its own programs, because of the highly mobile character of the migrant labor force as a group, and because the products and services contributing to the health, welfare, and economic advancement of each state are supplied in part by persons working in this group.

ARTICLE II

STATE DEFINED.—

As used in this compact, “state” means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

ARTICLE III

THE COMMISSION.—

A. The interstate migrant labor commission, hereinafter called “the commission,” is hereby established. The commission shall consist of five members representing each party state. One of such members representing each state shall be the governor or his or her representative; one shall be a member of the upper house of the state legislature, appointed by the presiding officer thereof; one shall be a member of the lower house of the state legislature, appointed by the presiding officer; and two shall be appointed by the governor, one of whom may be a local government official from an area of the state concerned with migrant labor problems. The guiding principle for the composition of the membership of the commission shall be that the members, by virtue of their training, experience, knowledge, or affiliations be in a position collectively to reflect broadly the interests of the state and local government in migrant labor affairs.

B. The members of the commission shall be entitled to one vote each on the commission. No action of the commission shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the commission are cast in favor thereof. Action of the commission shall be taken only at a meeting at which a majority of the commissioners are present. The commission shall meet at least once a year. In its bylaws, and subject to such directions and limitations as may be contained therein, the commission may delegate the exercise of any of its powers to subcommittees appointed for specific purposes.

C. The commission shall elect annually from among its members a chair, who shall be a governor or member of a party state legislature, a vice chair, and treasurer.

D. The commission shall appoint an executive director who shall serve at the pleasure of the commission. The executive director together with the treasurer and other officers of the commission shall be bonded in the amount as the commission determines. The executive director shall serve as secretary.

E. The executive director shall have the authority to direct the staff to comply with those goals established by the commission in both the compact and the bylaws of the commission. The executive director and the staff may be furnished by the council of state governments, serving the goals of the commission and any related activities of the council of state governments. In such case the commission shall reimburse the council of state governments for all reasonable charges for the services provided. The commission in its bylaws shall provide for the personnel policies and programs of the commission.

F. The commission may borrow, accept or contract for the services of personnel from any party jurisdiction, the United States, or any subdivision or agency of two or more of the party jurisdictions or their subdivisions.

G. The commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the United States, or any other governmental agency or from any person, firm, association, foundation, or corporation, and may utilize and dispose of the same. Any donation or grant accepted by the commission pursuant to this paragraph or services borrowed pursuant to paragraph F. of this article shall be reported in the annual report of the commission. Such report shall include the nature, amount and conditions, if any, of the donation, grant or services borrowed, and the identity of the donor or lender.

H. The commission shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws. The commission shall publish its bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party states.

I. The commission annually shall make to the governor and legislature of each party state a report covering the activities of the commission for the preceding year. The commission may make such additional reports as it may deem desirable.

ARTICLE IV

POWERS.—

In addition to authority conferred on the commission by other provisions of the compact, the commission shall have authority to:

1. Through the available facilities of party states, collect, correlate, analyze, and interpret information and data concerning migrant labor problems and resources available for solving such problems.

2. Encourage and foster research in all aspects of migrant labor, with special reference to the desirable organization, administration, and methods to be employed in meeting the needs of such labor.

3. Develop proposals for adequate financing of programs as a whole at each of many levels.

4. Conduct or participate in research of the types referred to in this article in any instance where the commission finds that such research is necessary for the advancement of the purposes and policies of this compact, utilizing fully the resources available from party states and any other reasonably associated agencies, associations, or institutions, public or private.

5. Formulate suggested policies and plans for the improvement of migrant labor programs as a whole, or for any segment thereof, and make recommendations with respect thereto available to the appropriate governmental units, agencies and public officials.

6. Cooperate with commissions, agencies, and committees of other states having similar responsibilities, specifically party states of this compact.

7. Establish cooperative arrangements among party states whereby migrant labor programs shall have a continuing administration, application, and effectiveness from state to state.

8. Do such other things as may be necessary or incidental to the administration of any of its authority or functions pursuant to this compact.

ARTICLE V

COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.—

A. If the laws of the United States specifically so provide, or if administrative provision is made therefor within the federal government, the United States may be represented on the commission by not to exceed five representatives. Any such representative or representatives of the United States shall be appointed and serve in such manner as may be provided by or pursuant to federal law, and may be drawn from any one or more branches of the federal government, but no such representative shall have a vote on the commission.

B. The commission may provide information and make recommendations to any executive or legislative agency or officer of the federal government concerning the common policies on migrant labor of the states, and may advise with any such agencies or officers concerning any matter of mutual interest.

ARTICLE VI

COMMITTEES.—

A. The commission may establish advisory and technical committees composed of state, local, and federal officials, and private persons to advise it with respect to any one or more of its functions. Any advisory or technical committee may, on request of the states concerned, be established to consider any matter of special concern to two or more of the party states.

B. The commission may establish such additional committees as its bylaws may provide.

ARTICLE VII

FINANCE.—

A. The commission shall advise the governor or designated officer or officers of each party state of its budget and estimate expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of that party state. Each of the commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party states.

B. The total amount of appropriation request under any budget shall be apportioned among the party states. In making such apportionment, the commission shall devise and employ a formula which takes equitable account of the populations and per capita income levels of the party states.

C. The commission shall not pledge the credit of any party state. The commission may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it pursuant to Article III, G. of this compact, provided that the commission takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to incurring an obligation to be met in whole or in part in such manner. Except when the commission makes use of funds available to it pursuant to Article III, G. hereof, the commission shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party states adequate to meet the same.

D. The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established by its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be audited yearly by a qualified public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual reports of the commission.

E. The accounts of the commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the party states and by any persons authorized by the commission.

F. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent commission compliance with laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any government contributing to the support of the commission.

ARTICLE VIII

ELIGIBLE PARTIES; ENTRY INTO AND WITHDRAWAL.—

A. This compact shall have as eligible parties all states, territories, and possessions of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In respect of any such jurisdiction not having a governor, the term “governor” as used in this compact shall mean the closest equivalent official of such jurisdiction.

B. Any state or other eligible jurisdiction may enter into this compact and it shall become binding thereon when it has adopted the same; provided that in order to enter into initial effect, adoption by at least five eligible party jurisdictions shall be required.

C. Adoptions of the compact may be either by enactment or by adherence thereto by the governor; provided that in the absence of enactment, adherence by the governor shall be sufficient to make his or her state a party only until the next succeeding December 31. During any period when a state is participating in this compact through gubernatorial action, the governor shall appoint those persons who, in addition to himself or herself, shall serve as the members of the commission from his or her state and shall provide to the commission an equitable share of the financial support of the commission from any source available to him or her.

D. Except for a withdrawal effective on December 31, in accordance with paragraph C. of this article, any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the governors of all other party states.

ARTICLE IX

CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY.—

A. This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state or of the United States, or the application thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.

COMMISSION BYLAWS.—

B. Pursuant to Paragraph I. of Article III, of this compact, the commission shall file a copy of its bylaws and any amendment thereto with the governor.

History.—s. 6, ch. 70-131; s. 173, ch. 97-103.
450.261 Interstate Migrant Labor Commission; Florida membership.—In selecting the Florida membership of the Interstate Migrant Labor Commission, the Governor may designate the Secretary of Commerce as his or her representative.
History.—s. 7, ch. 70-131; s. 75, ch. 81-167; s. 78, ch. 83-55; s. 174, ch. 97-103; s. 35, ch. 2011-34; s. 394, ch. 2011-142; s. 75, ch. 2012-96; s. 52, ch. 2021-25; s. 223, ch. 2024-6.
PART III
FARM LABOR CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION
450.27 Short title.
450.271 State administration of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.
450.28 Definitions.
450.29 Exclusions.
450.30 Requirement of certificate of registration; education and examination program.
450.31 Issuance, revocation, and suspension of, and refusal to issue or renew, certificate of registration.
450.321 Best practices incentive program for farm labor contractors.
450.33 Duties of farm labor contractor.
450.34 Prohibited acts of farm labor contractor.
450.35 Certain contracts or employment prohibited.
450.36 Rules and regulations.
450.37 Cooperation with state and federal agencies.
450.38 Enforcement of farm labor laws.
450.39 Prohibition against required purchase; prohibition against excessive charges.
1450.27 Short title.—This part shall be known by the popular name the “Farm Labor Contractor Registration Law.”
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-234; s. 1, ch. 77-25; s. 9, ch. 2004-64.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
450.271 State administration of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.—The Department of Business and Professional Regulation may enter into agreements with the Secretary of Labor of the United States to authorize the department to administer within the State of Florida the provisions of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act of 1983, as amended.
History.—s. 2, ch. 77-25; s. 43, ch. 79-7; s. 45, ch. 83-174; s. 1, ch. 85-243; s. 10, ch. 2004-64.
1450.28 Definitions.—
(1) “Farm labor contractor” means:
(a) Any person who, for a fee or other valuable consideration, recruits, transports into or within the state, supplies, or hires at any one time in any calendar year one or more farm workers to work for, or under the direction, supervision, or control of, a third person; or
(b) Any person who recruits, transports into or within the state, supplies, or hires at any one time in any calendar year one or more farm workers and who, for a fee or other valuable consideration, directs, supervises, or controls all or any part of the work of such workers.
(2) “Department” means the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
(3) “Carpool” means an arrangement made by the workers using one worker’s own vehicle for transportation to and from work and for which the driver or owner of the vehicle is not paid by any third person other than the members of the carpool.
(4) “Immediate family member” means a person having one of the following relationships to another: husband, wife, father, mother, son, or daughter.
(5) “Minor violation” means a violation of a specific state or federal law or rule that does not result in economic or physical harm to any person recruited, transported, supplied, or hired by a farm labor contractor or create a significant threat of such harm.
(6) “Major violation” means a violation of a specific state or federal law or rule that results in economic or physical harm to any person recruited, transported, supplied, or hired by a farm labor contractor or creates a significant threat of such harm.
(7) “Timely application for renewal” means the application for a federal certificate of registration as a farm labor contractor, or a farm labor contractor employee, is filed, as defined by federal law, with the United States Department of Labor at least 30 days before its expiration date.
History.—s. 2, ch. 71-234; s. 1, ch. 77-25; s. 156, ch. 77-104; s. 44, ch. 79-7; s. 1, ch. 83-42; s. 41, ch. 83-174; s. 2, ch. 85-243; s. 30, ch. 95-345; s. 143, ch. 2000-165; s. 63, ch. 2002-194; s. 11, ch. 2004-64; s. 8, ch. 2006-81; s. 1, ch. 2010-124.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
1450.29 Exclusions.—This part does not apply to:
(1) Any person, or an immediate family member of such person, who is the owner or lessee of a farm or any person, or an immediate family member of such person, who is the owner or lessee of a packinghouse or food processing plant and who employs workers in planting, cultivating, harvesting, or preparing agricultural products for delivery to such packinghouse or food processing plant.
(2) Any person who transports workers solely by means of a carpool.
(3) Any employee of an individual covered in subsection (1) who performs activities solely on the behalf of that employer and is not an independent contractor.
History.—s. 3, ch. 71-234; s. 1, ch. 77-25; s. 3, ch. 85-243; s. 1, ch. 90-245; s. 18, ch. 91-147.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
1450.30 Requirement of certificate of registration; education and examination program.—
(1) No person may act as a farm labor contractor until a certificate of registration has been issued to him or her by the department and unless such certificate is in full force and effect and is in his or her possession.
(2) No certificate of registration may be transferred or assigned.
(3) Unless sooner revoked, each certificate of registration, regardless of the date of issuance, shall be renewed on the last day of the birth month following the date of issuance and, thereafter, each year on the last day of the birth month of the registrant. The date of incorporation shall be used in lieu of birthdate for registrants that are corporations. Applications for certificates of registration and renewal thereof shall be on a form prescribed by the department.
(4) The department shall provide a program of education and examination for applicants under this part. The program may be provided by the department or through a contracted agent. The program shall be designed to ensure the competency of those persons to whom the department issues certificates of registration.
(5) The department shall require each applicant to demonstrate competence by a written or oral examination in the language of the applicant, evidencing that he or she is knowledgeable concerning the duties and responsibilities of a farm labor contractor. The examination shall be prepared, administered, and evaluated by the department or through a contracted agent.
(6) The department shall require an applicant for renewal of a certificate of registration to retake the examination only if:
(a) During the prior certification period, the department issued a final order assessing a civil monetary penalty for a major violation of this part or revoked or refused to renew or issue a certificate of registration; or
(b) The department determines that new requirements related to the duties and responsibilities of a farm labor contractor necessitate a new examination.
(7) The department shall charge each applicant a $35 fee for the education and examination program. Such fees shall be deposited in the Professional Regulation Trust Fund.
(8) The department may adopt rules prescribing the procedures to be followed to register as a farm labor contractor.
History.—s. 4, ch. 71-234; s. 2, ch. 71-977; s. 1, ch. 77-25; s. 2, ch. 83-42; s. 4, ch. 85-243; s. 2, ch. 90-245; s. 18, ch. 91-147; s. 1, ch. 94-179; s. 175, ch. 97-103; s. 11, ch. 98-149; s. 144, ch. 2000-165; s. 12, ch. 2004-64; s. 27, ch. 2004-234.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
1450.31 Issuance, revocation, and suspension of, and refusal to issue or renew, certificate of registration.—
(1) The department shall not issue to any person a certificate of registration as a farm labor contractor, nor shall it renew such certificate, until:
(a) Such person has executed a written application therefor in a form and pursuant to regulations prescribed by the department and has submitted such information as the department may prescribe.
(b) Such person has obtained and holds a valid federal certificate of registration as a farm labor contractor, or a farm labor contractor employee, unless exempt by federal law. However, the department shall renew a certificate of registration after such person’s federal certificate of registration expires if such person files a timely application for renewal with the United States Department of Labor.
(c) Such person pays to the department, by cashier’s check, certified check, or money order, a nonrefundable application fee of $125. Fees collected by the department under this subsection shall be deposited in the State Treasury into the Professional Regulation Trust Fund.
(d) Such person has successfully taken and passed the farm labor contractor examination.
(e) Such person has designated an agent to receive service of process and other official or legal documents. The agent must be available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, to accept service on behalf of the farm labor contractor.
(2) The department may revoke, suspend, or refuse to issue or renew any certificate of registration when it is shown that the farm labor contractor has:
(a) Violated or failed to comply with any provision of this part or the rules adopted pursuant to this part;
(b) Made any misrepresentation or false statement in his or her application for a certificate of registration;
(c) Given false or misleading information concerning terms, conditions, or existence of employment to persons who are recruited or hired to work on a farm;
(d) Been assessed a civil fine by the department for which payment is overdue;
(e) Failed to pay reemployment assistance taxes as determined by the Department of Commerce; or
(f) Failed to pay federal employee taxes as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
(3) The department shall suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a certificate of registration upon receipt of a final order of suspension, revocation, or refusal to issue or renew the federal certificate of registration from the United States Department of Labor.
(4) The revocation, suspension of, or refusal to renew any permit hereunder will not render any then-current and valid contract invalid nor affect the terms of such contract for the duration of the growing season then in progress.
(5) The department may refuse to issue or renew, or may suspend or revoke, a certificate of registration if the applicant or holder is not the real party in interest in the application or certificate of registration and the real party in interest is a person who has been refused issuance or renewal of a certificate, has had a certificate suspended or revoked, or does not qualify under this section for a certificate.
(6) The department may permanently revoke or refuse to issue or renew a certificate of registration if such applicant or certificateholder has been convicted within the preceding 5 years of:
(a) A crime under state or federal law:
1. Relating to gambling, or to the sale, distribution, or possession of alcoholic beverages.
2. Committed in connection with, or incident to, any farm labor contracting activities; or
(b) Any felony under state or federal law involving robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, or arson.
(7) The department may permanently revoke or refuse to issue or renew a certificate of registration if such applicant or certificateholder has been convicted of a violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault that inflicts grievous bodily injury, prostitution, peonage, smuggling, or harboring individuals who have entered the country illegally.
(8) Receipt and acceptance of a certificate of registration as a farm labor contractor constitutes unconditional permission for and acquiescence by the contractor to the inspection by department personnel of books, ledgers, and all other documents that are related to the performance of the contractor’s farm labor activities.
History.—ss. 5, 6, ch. 71-234; s. 1, ch. 71-977; s. 1, ch. 77-25; ss. 3, 4, ch. 83-42; s. 5, ch. 85-243; ss. 3, 4, ch. 90-245; s. 18, ch. 91-147; s. 2, ch. 94-179; s. 176, ch. 97-103; s. 145, ch. 2000-165; s. 13, ch. 2004-64; s. 28, ch. 2004-234; s. 4, ch. 2007-86; s. 2, ch. 2010-124; s. 402, ch. 2011-142; s. 74, ch. 2012-30; s. 224, ch. 2024-6.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
450.321 Best practices incentive program for farm labor contractors.—
(1) To promote compliance with this part, and to help the public identify farm labor contractors who have demonstrated a firm commitment to responsible and safe labor practices, the department shall develop and implement a best practices incentive program for farm labor contractors.
(2) Farm labor contractors who seek designation as a best practices farm labor contractor must meet the requirements set by the department. A farm labor contractor may not transfer or use without authorization a designation as a best practices farm labor contractor.
(3) The department may enter into a partnership agreement with a farm labor contractor that states the responsibilities of each party to the agreement regarding the requirements to receive and maintain a best practices designation. Recipients of a designation as a best practices farm labor contractor may use this designation when soliciting business as long as the designation is in effect.
(4) A designation as a best practices farm labor contractor may be revoked when the department determines that the recipient has failed to comply with a requirement established pursuant to subsection (2). When a designation is revoked, the prior recipient shall cease all use of the best practices farm labor contractor designation when soliciting business.
(5) The grant of a designation as a best practices farm labor contractor is not an endorsement of the recipient by the department and may not be characterized as such.
(6) The department may not be held liable in a civil action for damages resulting from the granting, denying, suspending, or revoking of a designation as a best practices farm labor contractor.
(7) The department shall establish an incentive program for farm labor contractors who hold a valid best practices designation.
History.—s. 14, ch. 2004-64.
1450.33 Duties of farm labor contractor.—Every farm labor contractor must:
(1) Carry his or her certificate of registration with him or her at all times and exhibit it to all persons with whom the farm labor contractor intends to deal in his or her capacity as a farm labor contractor prior to so dealing and, upon request, to persons designated by the department.
(2) Pay or distribute promptly, when due, to the individuals entitled thereto all moneys or other things of value entrusted to the registrant by any third person for such purpose.
(3) Comply with the terms and provisions of all legal and valid agreements and contracts entered into between the registrant in his or her capacity as a farm labor contractor and third person.
(4) Display prominently, at the site where the work is to be performed and on all vehicles used by the registrant for the transportation of employees, a single posting containing a written statement in English and in the language of the majority of the non-English-speaking employees disclosing the terms and conditions of employment in a form prescribed by the department or by the United States Department of Labor for this purpose.
(5) Take out a policy of insurance with any insurance carrier which policy insures such registrant against liability for damage to persons or property arising out of the operation or ownership of any vehicle or vehicles for the transportation of individuals in connection with his or her business, activities, or operations as a farm labor contractor. In no event may the amount of such liability insurance be less than that required by the provisions of the financial responsibility law of this state. Any insurance carrier that is licensed to operate in this state and that has issued a policy of liability insurance to operate a vehicle used to transport farm workers shall notify the department when it intends to cancel such policy.
(6) Maintain such records as may be designated by the department.
(7) Semimonthly or at the time of each payment of wages furnish each of the workers employed by him or her, either as a detachable part of the check, draft, or voucher paying the employee’s wages or separately, an itemized statement in writing showing in detail each and every deduction made from such wages.
(8) Produce evidence to the department that each vehicle he or she uses for the transportation of employees complies with the requirements and specifications established in chapter 316, s. 316.622, or 2Pub. L. No. 93-518 as amended by Pub. L. No. 97-470 meeting Department of Transportation requirements or, in lieu thereof, bears a valid inspection sticker showing that the vehicle has passed the inspection in the state in which the vehicle is registered.
(9) Comply with all applicable statutes, rules, and regulations of the United States and of the State of Florida for the protection or benefit of labor, including, but not limited to, those providing for wages, hours, fair labor standards, social security, workers’ compensation, reemployment assistance or unemployment compensation, child labor, and transportation.
(10) Maintain accurate daily field records for each employee actually paid by the farm labor contractor reflecting the hours worked for the farm labor contractor and, if paid by unit, the number of units harvested and the amount paid per unit.
(11) Clearly display on each vehicle used to transport migrant or seasonal farm workers a display sticker issued by the department, which states that the vehicle is authorized by the department to transport farm workers and the expiration date of the authorization.
History.—s. 7, ch. 71-234; s. 1, ch. 77-25; s. 5, ch. 83-42; ss. 1, 3, ch. 87-551; s. 5, ch. 90-245; s. 18, ch. 91-147; s. 29, ch. 92-173; s. 3, ch. 94-179; s. 205, ch. 96-410; s. 1077, ch. 97-103; s. 12, ch. 98-149; s. 146, ch. 2000-165; s. 15, ch. 2004-64; s. 9, ch. 2006-81; s. 20, ch. 2008-240; s. 75, ch. 2012-30.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
2Note.—Public L. No. 97-470 repealed Pub. L. No. 93-518.
1450.34 Prohibited acts of farm labor contractor.—A licensee may not:
(1) Make any misrepresentation or false statement in his or her application for a certificate of registration.
(2) Make or cause to be made to any person any false, fraudulent, or misleading representation or publish or circulate or cause to be published or circulated any false, fraudulent, or misleading information concerning the terms, conditions, or existence of employment at any place or places, by any person or persons, or of any individual or individuals.
(3) Make any charge or deduction from wages for any tools, equipment, transportation, or recruiting fees that are for the benefit of the employer unless in compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
(4) Retaliate against any person that has filed a complaint or aided an investigation pursuant to this part.
(5) Contract with or employ any person acting in the capacity of a farm labor contractor, or performing activities defined in s. 450.28(1), when that person does not have a current certificate of registration issued by the department pursuant to the requirements of this part.
History.—s. 8, ch. 71-234; s. 1, ch. 77-25; ss. 2, 3, ch. 87-551; s. 30, ch. 92-173; s. 177, ch. 97-103; s. 1, ch. 2002-161; s. 16, ch. 2004-64.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
1450.35 Certain contracts or employment prohibited.—It is unlawful for any person to contract with or employ any farm labor contractor as defined in this act, for matters relating to farm labor, until the labor contractor displays to him or her a current certificate of registration issued by the department pursuant to the requirements of this part. A violation of this section is subject to the penalties provided for violations in s. 450.38(1).
History.—s. 9, ch. 71-234; s. 1, ch. 77-25; s. 6, ch. 83-42; s. 178, ch. 97-103; s. 147, ch. 2000-165; s. 17, ch. 2004-64.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
1450.36 Rules and regulations.—The department may adopt rules necessary to enforce and administer this part.
History.—s. 10, ch. 71-234; s. 1, ch. 77-25; s. 7, ch. 83-42; s. 148, ch. 2000-165.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
1450.37 Cooperation with state and federal agencies.—The department shall, whenever appropriate, cooperate with any federal agency. The department may cooperate with and enter into agreements with any other state agency to administer this chapter or secure uniform rules.
History.—s. 11, ch. 71-234; s. 1, ch. 77-25; s. 8, ch. 83-42; s. 149, ch. 2000-165; s. 18, ch. 2004-64.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
1450.38 Enforcement of farm labor laws.—
(1) Any person, firm, association, or corporation not excluded under s. 450.29 that commits a minor violation of this part and, upon conviction, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, is punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(2) Any person, firm, association, or corporation that commits a major violation of this part and, upon conviction, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, is punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(3) Any person, firm, association, or corporation that commits a violation of this part or of any rule adopted thereunder may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $2,500 for each such violation. Such assessed penalties shall be paid by cashier’s check, certified check, or money order and shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund. The department shall not institute or maintain any administrative proceeding to assess a civil penalty under this subsection when the violation is the subject of a criminal indictment or information under this section which results in a criminal penalty being imposed, or of a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding by the United States government or an agency thereof which results in a criminal or civil penalty being imposed. The department may adopt rules prescribing the criteria to be used to determine the amount of the civil penalty and to provide notification to persons assessed a civil penalty under this section.
(4) Upon a complaint of the department being filed in the circuit court of the county in which the farm labor contractor resides or may be doing business, any farm labor contractor who fails to obtain a certificate of registration as required by this part may, in addition to such penalties, be enjoined from engaging in any activity which requires the farm labor contractor to possess a certificate of registration.
(5) For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding conducted by the department, the secretary of the department or the secretary’s designee shall have the power to administer oaths, take depositions, make inspections when authorized by statute, issue subpoenas which shall be supported by affidavit, serve subpoenas and other process, and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, documents, and other evidence. The secretary of the department or the secretary’s designee shall exercise this power on the secretary’s own initiative.
(6) A farm labor contractor who commits a minor violation of this part shall be issued a warning for the first violation. A civil penalty in increments of $250 may be assessed for each successive violation of a specific statute or rule of this part up to a maximum of $2,500.
(7) A farm labor contractor who commits a major violation of a specific statute or rule of this part shall be assessed a civil penalty of up to $2,500 in accordance with the criteria established by the department pursuant to this section.
(8) Moneys for the enforcement of the farm labor laws shall be transferred to the Professional Regulation Trust Fund from the Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund of the Department of Financial Services.
History.—s. 12A, ch. 71-234; s. 1, ch. 77-25; s. 6, ch. 85-243; s. 6, ch. 90-245; s. 18, ch. 91-147; s. 4, ch. 94-179; s. 13, ch. 98-149; s. 150, ch. 2000-165; s. 19, ch. 2004-64; s. 1, ch. 2005-58.
1Note.—Section 1, ch. 77-25, provides that this section is repealed when an agreement is made as permitted in ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25; ss. 2-4, ch. 77-25, were amended by s. 1, ch. 85-243.
450.39 Prohibition against required purchase; prohibition against excessive charges.—
(1) A farm labor contractor may not require any farmworker to purchase goods or services solely from such farm labor contractor or from a person acting as an agent for such farm labor contractor.
(2) A farm labor contractor may not charge a farmworker more than a reasonable cost for any commodity, including housing, food, water, or other consumables, in accordance with 29 C.F.R. s. 531.3. As used in this subsection, the term “reasonable cost” does not include a profit to the farm labor contractor or to any other person acting as an agent for the farm labor contractor.
History.—s. 20, ch. 2004-64.