No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Puerto Rico under the Ley de Normas del Trabajo (Law 180-1998) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as applied via local regulations. Exceptions exist only for agricultural family work or apprenticeships with strict Department of Labor oversight. Violations trigger fines up to $11,000 per child under the 2023 Protocolo de Inspección Laboral, with 2026 amendments tightening parental consent requirements.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Puerto Rico
- Parental Consent Mandate: Written approval from both parents or legal guardians is required for minors under 14, filed with the Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos (DTRH) under Reglamento 8439 (2021).
- Permissible Work Hours: Limited to non-school hours, with a maximum of 18 hours weekly during the school year and 40 hours during vacaciones escolares, per Artículo 25 of Law 180-1998.
- Prohibited Industries: Employment in hazardous occupations (e.g., mining, logging, or manufacturing) is banned, as outlined in Reglamento 7446 (2019), aligning with federal Hazardous Occupations Orders.