No, Child labor under age 14 is not legal in Idaho under state or federal law. Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) prohibits employment for minors under 14, with Idaho mirroring these restrictions. Exceptions exist only for limited agricultural or family-owned business work, strictly regulated by the Idaho Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Idaho
- FLSA Compliance: The federal minimum age for non-agricultural work is 14, enforced by the U.S. DOL. Idaho’s state laws align, barring minors under 14 from most employment unless exempted under specific federal provisions.
- Agricultural Exemptions: Minors aged 12–13 may work in agriculture outside school hours on farms not subject to hazardous occupation orders, per 29 CFR § 570.71. Idaho’s Department of Labor monitors compliance, requiring parental consent and school attendance verification.
- Family Business Loophole: Children under 14 may work in a family-owned business, excluding hazardous occupations, but must adhere to Idaho’s child labor permit system, mandating prior approval from the Idaho Department of Labor. Violations trigger immediate enforcement actions.