Florida General Contractor Practice Exam

Which entity has the authority to enforce the Fair Labor Standards Act?

1. The Federal Government

2. The State Government

3. The Local Labor Board

4. The Contractor

The correct answer is: The Federal Government

The Federal Government holds the authority to enforce the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This legislation, enacted in 1938, establishes standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment in both the private and public sectors. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), specifically its Wage and Hour Division, is primarily responsible for enforcing the provisions of the FLSA, including overseeing compliance and investigating complaints. While state governments can establish their own labor laws that may provide greater protection or higher standards than the FLSA, they do not have the authority to enforce the federal act directly. Local labor boards may handle certain local labor issues, but they do not enforce federal laws such as the FLSA. Similarly, individual contractors or employers are responsible for complying with the act but do not possess enforcement authority. The federal government's role ensures consistency and protection of labor rights across all states, making it the primary enforcer of the Fair Labor Standards Act.