FL H0737

Clarifies that victims of domestic violence are not disqualified from unemployment benefits for voluntarily leaving work if they prove the employment separation is a direct result of domestic violence as defined in Florida law.

Requires domestic violence victims claiming benefits to provide evidence such as an injunction, protective order, or other state-authorized documentation proving domestic violence occurred and reasonably believe they face risk of future violence at, in transit to, or departing from their workplace.

Requires individuals leaving work due to domestic violence to make reasonable efforts to preserve employment through means such as seeking protective injunctions, relocating, or requesting reasonable workplace accommodations unless such remedies would be futile or increase safety risks.

Provides that employers cannot be charged for unemployment benefits paid to individuals who voluntarily leave work under the domestic violence provisions.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.