FL S0616

Prohibits employers from excluding job applicants from initial interviews solely based on convictions or guilty pleas for offenses listed in section 435.04(2), regardless of adjudication status.

Defines exclusion from initial interview to include requiring applicants to disclose criminal history on applications, before interviews, or before conditional job offers (unless no interview is conducted).

Allows employers to consider conviction history when making final hiring decisions, but not to screen out applicants before interviews based on criminal records alone.

Establishes civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, with enforcement by the Department of Economic Opportunity.

Exempts law enforcement agencies, criminal justice employers, employers subject to federal/state/local laws requiring criminal history review, and employers seeking volunteers.