FL H0507

Creates a new Department of Labor as a state department with a Secretary appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to enforce minimum wage laws and s. 24, Art. X of the State Constitution.

Designates the Department of Labor as the state Agency for Workforce Innovation and grants it authority to investigate violations, issue citations, conduct hearings, and enforce judgments through levies, liens, and stop-orders prohibiting employers from conducting business.

Establishes protected employee rights including filing complaints, informing others of wage violations, refusing illegal activities, and cooperating with investigations, with a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if adverse action occurs within 90 days of exercising these rights.

Provides remedies for wage violations including back pay plus up to two times liquidated damages, attorney fees, reinstatement, and fines up to $1,000 per willful violation, with actions enforceable within 4 years or 5 years for willful violations.

Creates a Department of Labor Community Advisory Board with representatives from state agencies, business, and labor organizations to meet at least three times yearly and submit annual reports on worker safety and equity to the Governor and Legislature, effective July 1, 2022.