The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning the Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) and collective bargaining processes for public employees. Key changes include aligning final order requirements with Chapter 120, revising appeal timeframes, and clarifying definitions related to public employment. Notably, the bill removes the specific timeframe for filing exceptions to recommended orders and allows the commission to waive certain provisions of Chapter 447 under specific circumstances. It also introduces new requirements for employee organization membership authorization forms, mandates inspection of certain accounts, and increases fines for violations. Additionally, the bill specifies conditions for public employers to provide access to facilities for employee organizations and establishes new procedures for decertification.

Further amendments focus on employee organization membership, allowing public employees to revoke their membership at any time and requiring organizations to cease dues collection within 30 days of receiving a revocation notice. The bill also modifies the process for certification and recertification of employee organizations, requiring detailed financial statements and allowing challenges to applications. It clarifies the composition of bargaining units and emphasizes the need for ratification of collective bargaining agreements by both parties. The bill aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public employee relations and collective bargaining in Florida, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1296 Filed: 110.227, 112.0455, 295.14, 447.205, 447.305, 447.307, 447.308, 447.309, 447.401, 447.405, 447.4095, 447.503, 110.114, 110.205, 112.3187, 121.031, 447.02, 447.609, 1011.60