FL S1828

Creates s. 448.077, F.S. to prohibit employers from taking retaliatory personnel actions (discharge, suspension, demotion, or adverse employment actions) against employees who evacuate under a mandatory evacuation order.

Protects employees who left their workplace to evacuate when their residence or workplace was in a mandatory evacuation zone and return to work within 14 days after the evacuation order is lifted or by agreed-upon time.

Allows employees to file civil actions within 2 years of discovering the retaliatory action or within 4 years of the action, whichever is earlier, seeking reinstatement, lost wages, benefits, and other compensatory damages.

Exempts emergency personnel with adequate emergency shelter provided by their employer, persons necessary for public safety and vital services restoration, and employees at nursing homes, hospices, assisted living facilities, and hospitals.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.