FL S1216

Amends county court jurisdiction to include wage theft civil actions under new section 448.115, with filing fees capped at $50 and cases governed by Florida Small Claims Rules.

Defines "wage theft" as illegal underpayment or nonpayment of employee wages, salary, commissions, or compensation within a reasonable time (2 weeks if no pay schedule established) from when work was performed.

Requires employees to notify employers in writing of unpaid compensation before filing suit, giving employers 7 days to resolve the claim; lawsuits must be filed within 1 year of last unpaid work date.

Limits compensatory damages to twice the amount owed, requires proof by preponderance of evidence, and prohibits noneconomic damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.

Allows counties, municipalities, and political subdivisions to establish voluntary administrative processes to help resolve wage disputes, but prohibits them from adopting wage theft ordinances after January 1, 2011, except those already in effect.