No. Child labor under 14 is illegal in Georgia under state and federal law, with strict penalties for violations. The Georgia Department of Labor enforces these rules, aligning with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and recent 2026 compliance updates targeting agricultural and entertainment sectors.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Georgia
- Minimum Age Requirement: Employment under 14 is prohibited in all industries, including agriculture, unless exempt under FLSA’s hazardous occupation exceptions (e.g., farm work with parental consent).
- Work Permit System: Employers must secure a Child Labor Permit from the Georgia Department of Labor before hiring minors under 14, verifying age and permissible work hours.
- Hour Restrictions: Minors under 14 may work only outside school hours, with daily limits of 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, capped at 18 hours weekly during the school year.
Violations trigger fines up to $11,000 per minor under the 2026 Georgia Child Labor Enforcement Act, with potential criminal charges for repeat offenders. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division collaborates with state agencies to audit compliance, particularly in high-risk sectors like agriculture and entertainment. Employers must maintain records of minors’ work schedules and parental consent for at least three years.