No. Tennessee prohibits child labor under age 14 under state and federal law, with exceptions only for limited agricultural or entertainment work under strict permits. Violations trigger penalties from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the U.S. Department of Labor, including fines up to $15,000 per violation under the 2026 federal enforcement updates.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Tennessee
- Permit Requirements: Minors under 14 may work only in non-hazardous agricultural jobs or as performers in entertainment, requiring prior approval from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
- Hour Restrictions: Even with permits, minors under 14 face stringent limits—max 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days, and no work during school hours.
- Employer Liability: Employers hiring minors under 14 without proper permits or violating hour restrictions face administrative penalties and potential civil lawsuits under Tennessee’s 2025 child labor reform statutes.
Local enforcement agencies, including the Nashville and Memphis Offices of the Tennessee Department of Labor, conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with both state and federal child labor laws.