House Bill 1497 establishes the Division of Labor Standards within the Department of Commerce as the primary agency for employee protection and workforce support in Florida. The bill outlines the division's responsibilities, including the administration and enforcement of state minimum wage laws, promoting compliance through outreach and training, and conducting investigations into wage practices. It also revises notification requirements to ensure employees are informed of their rights against discrimination and retaliation, as well as their right to file complaints. A Community Advisory Board is created to provide stakeholder input and oversight, and the bill introduces a rebuttable presumption for employers in cases of wage violations, along with a process for filing complaints and civil actions against non-compliant employers.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding employer obligations and employee rights, including the requirement for employers to post an appeal bond before seeking a review of decisions related to wage violations. It eliminates the previous requirement for written notice to employers before individuals can file civil actions for minimum wage violations, allowing for the recovery of unpaid wages, interest, and liquidated damages. The bill also enhances enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for non-compliance with stop-orders and the authority for the division to seek injunctive relief. Overall, HB 1497 aims to strengthen employee protections, streamline enforcement of wage laws, and ensure compliance, with a focus on equity for low-wage and migrant workers. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1497 Filed: 448.110