FL H1223

Prohibits employers from excluding applicants from initial interviews solely based on convictions for offenses listed under section 435.04(2), regardless of adjudication status or if pleas of nolo contendere or guilty were entered, unless records were sealed or expunged.

Defines exclusion to include requiring applicants to disclose criminal history on employment applications, before interviews, or before conditional job offers when no interview is conducted.

Allows employers to still consider conviction history when making final hiring decisions, after the initial interview stage.

Exempts law enforcement agencies, criminal justice system employers, employers required by federal/state/local law to consider criminal history, and employers hiring for volunteer positions.

Assigns enforcement authority to the Department of Economic Opportunity and makes the act effective July 1, 2018.