FL S0454

Establishes the "Helen Gordon Davis Fair Pay Protection Act" recognizing that women continue to earn significantly lower pay than men for equal work despite the Equal Pay Act of 1963.

Requires the Department of Economic Opportunity to collect and publish women's pay data, ensure state contractors comply with anti-discrimination requirements, investigate equal pay violations, and conduct studies on eliminating pay disparities.

Designates the Florida Commission on Human Relations as the primary enforcement agency for Equal Pay Act claims and requires it to adopt rules and issue guidance on law interpretations.

Creates the Governor's Recognition Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace to be given annually to employers who have engaged in activities that eliminate barriers to equal pay for equal work.

Requires the Department of Economic Opportunity executive director and Florida Commission on Human Relations chair to establish eligibility criteria and procedures for award applications and ceremonies in cooperation with the Governor's office, effective July 1, 2016.