FL S1598

Creates a new Department of Labor as a state agency, with a Secretary appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, to enforce minimum wage laws and Article X, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution.

Designates the Department of Labor as the state Agency for Workforce Innovation and transfers minimum wage enforcement responsibilities from the Department of Economic Opportunity, including authority to investigate violations, issue citations, conduct hearings, and collect judgments.

Expands employee protections by defining protected rights (including the right to inform others of violations, file complaints, and refuse illegal activities), establishing a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if adverse action occurs within 90 days of exercising protected rights, and increasing liquidated damages to up to two times unpaid wages.

Grants the department enforcement powers including workplace inspections, subpoena authority, ability to issue stop-orders prohibiting employers from conducting business until judgments are satisfied, and authority to create liens on employer property and request license suspension.

Establishes the Department of Labor Community Advisory Board with representatives from labor organizations, business, government agencies, and other stakeholders to meet quarterly and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on worker safety and equity policies.