No, child labor under age 14 is not legal in Vermont. State law prohibits employment for minors under 14, with exceptions for limited agricultural or entertainment work under strict oversight. Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) aligns with this prohibition, leaving no legal pathway for under-14 employment. Vermont’s Department of Labor enforces these rules, and recent 2026 compliance guidance emphasizes heightened scrutiny of youth employment practices.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Vermont
- Prohibition on Employment: Vermont Statutes Title 21, § 431 explicitly bars minors under 14 from formal employment, including apprenticeships or volunteer roles with economic benefit. Violations trigger mandatory fines for employers, escalating with repeat offenses.
- Agricultural Exceptions: Minors aged 12–13 may work on farms with parental consent, but only outside school hours and under direct adult supervision. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture monitors compliance, requiring annual reporting of youth labor hours.
- Entertainment Industry Waivers: The Vermont Department of Labor issues temporary permits for under-14 performers in film, theater, or modeling, contingent on proof of educational continuity and adherence to strict hour limits (max 3 hours on school days).