summary
Introduced
11/04/2025
11/04/2025
In Committee
11/17/2025
11/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the Division of Labor Standards; amending s. 20.60, F.S.; creating the Division of Labor Standards within the Department of Commerce for specified purposes; specifying that the department is the state’s chief agency for employee protection; requiring the department to support and protect the state’s workforce in a specified manner; amending s. 448.109, F.S.; revising requirements for notifying employees of certain rights; amending s. 448.110, F.S.; designating the Division of Labor Standards as the state Agency for Workforce Innovation for purposes of implementing s. 24, Art. X of the State Constitution; defining terms; revising the protected rights of an employee; creating a rebuttable presumption and burden of proof for an employer; providing applicability; revising the process for filing a complaint for a violation of protected rights; specifying that certain actions are violations of the state minimum wage law; prohibiting a person or an entity from entering into certain contracts; authorizing and providing the division certain powers to conduct investigations, issue citations, enforce and collect judgments by certain means, and partner with other entities for enforcement and education outreach; prohibiting an employer from introducing at an administrative or civil proceeding any documentation as evidence that was not provided to the division; providing for injunctive relief under certain circumstances; providing a process for review of a citation, levy, or stop-order issued by the division; authorizing an aggrieved person to file a civil action; providing penalties; tolling the statute of limitations during an investigation; providing liability; requiring all employers, client employers, and labor contractors to create records; requiring that such records be maintained for a specified length of time and be reasonably accessible to the division; authorizing the division to enter into agreements with local, state, or federal agencies to assist in administration and enforcement; requiring the division to establish and maintain an outreach and education partnership program for a specified purpose; providing the duties of the program; creating s. 448.112, F.S.; creating the Division of Labor Standards Community Advisory Board within the Division of Labor Standards; providing for membership, meetings, and duties of the advisory board; requiring the director to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature by a specified date; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the advisory board; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Division of Labor Standards within the Department of Commerce to enhance employee protections and enforce minimum wage laws in Florida. The bill creates a comprehensive framework for investigating and addressing workplace labor violations, including provisions for employee rights, employer responsibilities, and robust enforcement mechanisms. Key provisions include establishing a new division with broad investigative powers, creating a Community Advisory Board to provide oversight and recommendations, and expanding protections for employees against discrimination and retaliation. The division will have the authority to issue citations, conduct investigations, impose fines up to $5,000 per violation, and even issue stop-orders prohibiting employers from conducting business if labor violations are found. The bill also creates a presumption that employers must prove worker classification, mandates record-keeping requirements for employers, and establishes an outreach and education partnership program to promote awareness of labor rights. Notably, the bill provides employees with expanded protections, including the ability to file complaints, seek legal remedies, and be protected from adverse actions, with a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if an employer takes action against an employee within 90 days of the employee exercising their rights. The new division will have significant power to investigate, enforce, and remedy labor law violations, marking a substantial enhancement of employee protections in Florida.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/358 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/358/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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