SB 1596 Summary

• Creates the "Florida Family and Medical Leave Act" (Chapter 444, F.S.) requiring employers with 20+ employees to provide paid leave to bond with a child during the first 12 months after birth, adoption, or foster care placement, effective July 1, 2021.

• Establishes a family and medical leave insurance benefits program to be created by January 1, 2022 and operational by January 1, 2023, funded by equal payroll contributions from employers and employees, with benefits of 75% of average weekly wages (minimum $100/week, maximum $1,000/week) for up to 12 weeks per year.

• Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees who request or use family and medical leave, and provides civil remedies including unpaid leave compensation, actual damages, treble damages, attorney fees, and reinstatement for violations filed within 3 years.

• Requires employers to notify employees at hiring and annually of family and medical leave rights, with the Department of Economic Opportunity creating a model notice in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and other languages as needed.

• Amends the Florida Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including requiring unpaid leave up to 4 months and reasonable workplace accommodations with health care provider advice.