FL S0518

Creates the "Fair Employment Opportunity Act" prohibiting employers and employment agencies with 15+ employees from refusing to consider or hire unemployed persons based on their unemployment status.

Bars employers and employment agencies from publishing job advertisements stating or indicating that unemployed persons are disqualified from consideration.

Prohibits employers from directing employment agencies to screen applicants based on unemployment status and prevents agencies from limiting job access or referrals to unemployed persons.

Allows consideration of unemployment status only when prior employment in a similar or related job is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary for successful job performance.

Authorizes the Attorney General to pursue civil actions for damages, injunctive relief, and civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, with prevailing parties entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.