Puerto Rico Rules on Employing Minors

No minor over 14 but less than 18 may be employed in Puerto Rico in any gainful occupation unless the employer obtains and keeps on file, accessible to any authorized person, an employment certificate or a special permit. The employer must also post a complete list of all minors employed in that occupation in a conspicuous place on the site where the minors are employed.

Minors between 12 and 18 must obtain work permits through the Department of Labor.

Minors between 14 and 18 employed in coffee picking must carry a card issued by the Department of Labor stating that they are of age and healthy.

Work restrictions do not apply to work done by minors in recognized public or private schools; in occupations, shops, factories or in public or private establishments where the work done constitutes part of the school program.

Minors under 18 years of age may not be employed in undercover police work.

Effective August 26, 2005, a minor under the age of 18 is protected from employment discrimination based on his or her criminal history. A minor's criminal file is considered confidential, and the lack of access to a minor applicant's history can not be the sole grounds for employment denial.