FL H0473

Prohibits employers from excluding applicants from initial interviews solely based on convictions, guilty pleas, or adjudicated delinquency for offenses listed under s. 435.04(2), unless the record has been sealed or expunged.

Defines exclusion as requiring applicants to disclose criminal history on employment applications, before interviews, or before conditional job offers (if no interview conducted).

Allows employers to consider applicant conviction history during hiring decisions after the initial interview stage.

Establishes a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation enforced by the Department of Economic Opportunity.

Exempts law enforcement agencies, criminal justice system employers, and volunteer position employers from these restrictions, and allows consideration of criminal history when required by federal, state, or local law.

Effective date: July 1, 2020.