FL S1026

Prohibits employers from providing less favorable employment opportunities or paying employees at lower rates than opposite sex employees for substantially similar work, with exceptions for seniority systems, merit systems, production-based systems, and bona fide factors related to business necessity.

Allows employees to recover unpaid wages plus liquidated damages in civil actions, extending the filing deadline from 6 months to 3 years after the alleged violation occurs, and establishes civil penalties ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 depending on violation frequency.

Prohibits employers from relying on or requesting wage/salary history when determining compensation and from retaliating against employees who refuse to disclose such history or file complaints under this section.

Protects employees' rights to discuss and disclose their own wages, inquire about others' wages, and discuss coworkers' wages if voluntarily disclosed, while prohibiting employers from requiring waivers restricting these discussions.

Adds protections under whistleblower retaliation laws for employees who discuss wages, inquire about coworkers' wages, or participate in investigations related to wage discrimination.