No. Child labor under 14 is prohibited in Maryland under state and federal law, with limited exceptions for agricultural work or apprenticeships. The Maryland Department of Labor enforces strict age verification and parental consent requirements, aligning with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Violations trigger penalties, including fines and business sanctions.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Maryland
- Age Restrictions: Minors under 14 may not be employed in non-agricultural work, per Maryland Code § 3-211 and FLSA § 13(c). Exceptions include babysitting, delivering newspapers, or working in family-owned businesses with parental approval.
- Work Permits: Employers must obtain a work permit from the Maryland Division of Labor and Industry before hiring minors under 16, verifying age and compliance with school-hour limits.
- Hour Limits: Even in permitted roles, minors under 14 face strict hour caps—no more than 3 hours on school days or 8 hours on non-school days, with total weekly hours capped at 18.
The Maryland Department of Labor’s 2026 compliance updates emphasize digital verification of work permits and heightened penalties for repeat offenders. Agricultural work, while partially exempt, still requires adherence to federal child labor provisions under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Employers must cross-reference state and federal rules to avoid liability.