HB 1171 - Florida Jobs Retention Act of 2018

• Requires employers with 75+ employees and prior state grants/loans/tax benefits to notify the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at least 180 days before relocating out of state or ceasing operations, with penalties up to $10,000 per day for violations.

• Makes employers that relocate or cease operation ineligible for any state grants, loans, or tax benefits for 5 years after being placed on the published list, and requires them to return the prorated value of previously received state support.

• Allows the Department to waive ineligibility requirements if returning funds would result in substantial job loss or environmental harm in Florida.

• Mandates state agency heads ensure all state-contractor customer service work is performed in-state, with existing out-of-state contractors having 2 years to comply and new hires required to work in-state immediately.

• Prohibits withholding or denying unemployment compensation, disability payments, or worker retraining funds to employees of relocating or closed employers.