The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides for certain exemptions. Minors under age 16 working in a business solely owned or operated by their parents or by persons standing in place of their parents, can work any time of day and for any number of hours. However, parents are prohibited from employing their child in manufacturing or mining or in any of the occupations declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. Other exemptions to the FLSA are detailed in the links listed below.

All exemptions to agricultural employment rules are statutory in nature and the Department's regulations reflect laws enacted by the U.S. Congress.

Webpages on this Topic

Exemptions from Child Labor Rules in Non-Agricultural Occupations

Employment as motion picture, theater, radio, or television actors, working at home in the making of evergreen wreaths, and delivering newspapers are among the jobs exempted from FLSA child labor provisions.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Advisor - Exemptions

Lists commonly used exemptions to the FLSA.

elaws FLSA Advisor - Child Labor Rules

This Advisor answers questions about workers and businesses that are subject to the FLSA's child labor rules.

General Information About the Fair Labor Standards Act

An overview of many aspects to the FLSA, ranging from child labor to enforcement.

Regulations on this Topic

29 CFR §§570.122 through 570.126 - Exemptions to FLSA Child Labor Provisions