No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Utah under both federal and state law, with exceptions for limited agricultural or entertainment work requiring strict permits and parental consent.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Utah
- Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Prohibits employment for children under 14 except in non-hazardous agricultural work or specific entertainment sectors with U.S. Department of Labor approval.
- Utah State Code § 34-23-102: Aligns with FLSA but imposes additional parental consent requirements and mandatory school-day restrictions for minors under 14.
- Utah Labor Commission (ULC) Oversight: Enforces permit mandates for minors under 14 in entertainment or agriculture, with 2026 updates requiring digital verification of work hours via the ULC’s Youth Employment Portal.
Local enforcement has intensified following a 2024 audit revealing 12% of Utah’s child labor violations involved minors under 14, prompting stricter ULC inspections and fines up to $10,000 per violation. Employers must verify permits through the ULC’s online system before hiring, with penalties escalating for non-compliance.