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 for employees regarding their rights under the minimum wage law, ensuring they are informed about their rights to file complaints and protections against discrimination and retaliation. The bill introduces a rebuttable presumption and burden of proof for employers in wage violation cases, establishes a complaint filing process, and allows for civil actions by aggrieved individuals.

Additionally, the bill creates a Community Advisory Board within the Division of Labor Standards to provide stakeholder input and oversight. It specifies that the Department of Revenue and the division shall publish the adjusted state minimum wage annually and notify employers about the adjusted rate. The bill clarifies that retaliation against employees exercising their rights is unlawful and places the burden of proof on employers to demonstrate independent contractor status. It also modifies the civil action process for aggrieved individuals, enhances penalties for willful violations, and empowers the division to enforce compliance through various means, including the issuance of stop-orders and liens on employers' properties for unpaid judgments. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1497 Filed: 448.110