The bill establishes the Division of Labor Standards within the Department of Commerce as the primary agency for employee protection and workforce support in Florida. It amends existing labor laws to enhance employee rights, including clearer notification of minimum wage rights and protections against discrimination and retaliation. The legislation introduces a rebuttable presumption for employers in violation cases, revises the complaint filing process, and specifies actions that constitute violations of the state minimum wage law. Additionally, it empowers the Division to conduct investigations, issue citations, and enforce compliance, while requiring employers to maintain accessible records. The bill also creates the Division of Labor Standards Community Advisory Board to provide stakeholder input and oversight, and mandates the division to develop outreach and education programs to promote compliance with labor laws.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the eligibility of workers under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act for state minimum wage and mandates the division to calculate an adjusted state minimum wage annually based on inflation. It strengthens protections against discrimination and retaliation for employees exercising their rights, establishes a rebuttable presumption of retaliation, and outlines specific rights for employees, including the right to file complaints. The bill also details the enforcement process for wage and labor violations, including penalties for employers who willfully violate wage laws, the issuance of stop-orders, and the collection of unpaid wages. It requires employers to maintain compliance records for five years and establishes an advisory board to review the division's activities, with a provision for the section to be repealed in 2028 unless renewed by the Legislature. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1552 Filed: 448.110