The bill amends various sections of the Florida Statutes to refine the processes surrounding the certification, recertification, and decertification of public employee bargaining agents. It mandates that employee organizations or public employees must file a petition with the Public Employees Relations Commission, including specific information and a showing of interest from a designated percentage of public employees for ballot placement in elections. This showing of interest is to be kept confidential and exempt from public disclosure. Additionally, the bill prohibits the filing of petitions for certification or decertification within 12 months following a commission order that verifies the results of a certification election, and it requires the commission to dismiss petitions that do not meet the necessary criteria.

Moreover, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifies existing terms related to employee organizations, including provisions that prevent public employers from denying access to resources for these organizations and restrict compensation for certain activities. It repeals a previous statute concerning the revocation of certification and makes conforming amendments to ensure consistency across related statutes. The bill also updates definitions for specific employee roles and allows the Public Employees Relations Commission to waive certain actions for public employers under specific conditions. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline collective bargaining processes while enhancing the rights and protections of public employees and their organizations, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1328 Filed: 447.307, 447.308, 110.114, 110.205, 112.3187, 121.031, 447.02, 447.305, 1011.60