FL S0926

Expands county court jurisdiction to include civil actions for wage theft, regardless of the amount in controversy, with filing fees capped at $50.

Defines "wage theft" as illegal underpayment or nonpayment of employee wages, salary, commissions, or similar compensation within a reasonable time (2 weeks if no pay schedule exists).

Requires employees to provide 7-day written notice to employers before filing suit, identifying unpaid amounts, work dates, and hours worked.

Limits prevailing employee damages to twice the amount of unpaid compensation, excluding attorney fees, noneconomic damages, and punitive damages.

Preempts local wage theft regulations enacted after January 1, 2014, that exceed state law, while allowing counties and municipalities to establish voluntary administrative processes to assist in wage collection.