Bill > S1432

This bill, titled the "Heroes Reward Program," allows certain public employers in Florida to offer a one-time payout of an employee's accumulated sick leave and annual leave (paid time off) to help them purchase a primary residence, which is defined as their main home. To qualify, the employee must have a fully executed purchase agreement and a final closing statement, and after the payout, they must still have at least 21 days of sick leave remaining. The payout is a one-time, non-refundable benefit and is separate from other leave programs, with the paid leave being deducted from their balance and not eligible for future payouts or retirement calculations. Employers can directly send the payout to a licensed closing or escrow agent, and if the home purchase doesn't go through, the funds are returned to the employer, and the employee's leave is restored. The Department of Management Services will create rules for this program, and local governments can adopt it through their own policies or agreements, though no employer is required to offer this benefit.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1432