No. Child labor under 14 is illegal in South Carolina, as state law aligns with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) prohibitions. Exceptions are rare, limited to non-hazardous family-owned businesses with parental consent, and subject to strict Department of Labor oversight. Violations trigger penalties under SC Code § 41-1-140 and federal enforcement.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in South Carolina
- Parental Consent Requirement: Minors under 14 may work only in non-agricultural, non-hazardous roles with written parental permission, per SC DOL guidance (2025 update).
- Hour Restrictions: Employment is capped at 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with total weekly hours not exceeding 18, enforced by the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR).
- Prohibited Industries: Work in mining, manufacturing, or occupations deemed hazardous by the U.S. Department of Labor (e.g., roofing, meatpacking) is strictly forbidden under SC Code § 41-1-150.
Federal enforcement via the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) supplements state oversight, particularly for interstate employers. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize digital age verification for minors, requiring employers to maintain records of birth certificates and work permits. Violations may result in fines up to $11,000 per child under FLSA § 16(e), with repeat offenders facing criminal liability.