No, child labor under 14 is illegal in California under the California Labor Code and federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with limited exceptions for minors in entertainment or agriculture with strict permits. The state’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) enforces these rules, and recent 2026 compliance shifts tighten oversight for employers in sectors like agriculture and family-owned businesses.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in California
- Permit Requirements: Minors under 14 must obtain a work permit from the DLSE, which is only granted for limited occupations like acting, modeling, or agricultural work with parental consent and school approval. Permits are revoked if conditions are violated.
- Hour Restrictions: Even with permits, minors under 14 face strict hour limits—no more than 3 hours on school days or 8 hours on non-school days, with no work before 7 AM or after 7 PM (9 PM during summer breaks).
- Prohibited Industries: Employment in hazardous occupations (e.g., manufacturing, construction, or warehousing) is strictly forbidden. Violations trigger DLSE investigations and potential civil penalties up to $10,000 per minor under the 2023 Protecting Youth from Exploitation Act.