No. Child labor under 14 is illegal in Louisiana under the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) and federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provisions. Exceptions exist for limited agricultural or entertainment work with strict parental consent and permits, but general employment remains prohibited. Violations trigger LWC investigations and potential fines.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Louisiana
- Work Permits Required: Minors under 14 must obtain a Child Labor Permit from the LWC, even for exempt roles like babysitting or agricultural tasks. Permits mandate school attendance verification and parental approval.
- Hour Restrictions: During school weeks, minors under 14 face a 3-hour daily limit (18 hours weekly) outside school hours, with no work before 7 AM or after 7 PM. Summer weeks allow 8-hour days (40 hours weekly) until 9 PM.
- Prohibited Occupations: Louisiana bans under-14s from hazardous jobs (e.g., manufacturing, mining) and restricts non-hazardous roles to 3 hours on school days. The LWC’s 2026 enforcement updates now require digital time-tracking for permit holders.
Local enforcement prioritizes retail, agriculture, and entertainment sectors, where violations often surface. Employers must retain permit records for 3 years or face penalties up to $1,000 per violation under Louisiana Revised Statute 23:171. Federal FLSA penalties may apply concurrently.