FL H1399

Revises the Florida Public Employee Whistleblower's Act to prohibit agencies and independent contractors from taking retaliatory adverse personnel actions against employees who disclose information about violations of law, gross mismanagement, gross malfeasance, gross misfeasance, gross misconduct, gross waste of public funds, Medicaid fraud or program abuse, or gross neglect of duty.

Expands protected activities to include participation in investigations and refusal to participate in retaliatory actions, and requires written and signed complaints to be filed with the Chief Inspector General, agency inspector general, or Florida Commission on Human Relations.

Establishes specific investigative timelines and procedures, including 20-day determination periods for inspector generals and 60-day reporting requirements, with extensions allowed for good cause.

Provides remedies for retaliation including reinstatement, restoration of benefits and seniority, compensation for lost wages, attorney's fees for substantially prevailing employees, and temporary reinstatement pending final outcome of complaints.

Effective date is July 1, 2016.