Bill > S0076

This bill amends Florida's existing parental leave statute to provide state employees with 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child. The bill introduces new definitions for terms like "family," "family medical leave," and specifically defines "paid parental leave" as fully paid time off for a father or mother when a child is born or adopted. Importantly, the state cannot require employees to use their annual or sick leave during this 12-week period, and employees will continue to accumulate all benefits during their paid leave. The bill maintains existing protections that prevent the state from terminating employment due to pregnancy or child adoption and ensures that employees can return to an equivalent position with preserved seniority and benefits after their leave. These provisions apply specifically to career service employees and represent a significant expansion of parental leave rights for state workers in Florida, with the changes set to take effect on July 1, 2025.