If you hire interns during the summer months as a way to buffer your operations during this busy period, you need to understand your obligations as an employer, particularly if your interns are unpaid.
Under federal law, the majority of interns must be paid at least the prevailing minimum wage in your state. If you don’t pay an intern, you may likely be in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act in addition to similar laws in your state.
The only unpaid internships that are considered legal are education and training programs that are meant to provide students with professional experience as part of their overall education. Unpaid internships must be academically focused, and they must benefit the interns through the experience of working for you.
If not, you may be violating the law if you are not paying them. Know the Law Before Taking on Summer Interns