The proposed bill, titled the "Freedom of Conscience in the Workplace Act," establishes new regulations regarding gender identity and employment practices in Florida. It defines key terms such as "employee," "contractor," "employer," "gender identity," and "gender ideology," asserting that a person's sex is an immutable biological trait. The bill prohibits employees and contractors from being compelled to use pronouns that do not correspond to their biological sex and restricts job applications from offering nonbinary options. Additionally, it protects individuals from adverse personnel actions based on their deeply held beliefs regarding gender identity and mandates that employers cannot require training related to sexual orientation or gender identity as a condition of employment.
The bill amends existing laws, specifically section 760.10, to classify it as an unlawful employment practice for employers receiving state funding to mandate training on gender identity or expression. It also reenacts sections related to administrative and civil remedies to incorporate these changes. The legislation provides for administrative and civil remedies for violations, including the awarding of reasonable attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.