FL S0352

Prohibits Florida agencies and independent contractors from dismissing, disciplining, or taking any adverse personnel action against employees who disclose violations or suspected violations of ethics standards or Article II, Section 8 of the State Constitution to the Commission on Ethics

Defines "adverse personnel action" broadly to include discharge, suspension, transfer, demotion, withholding of bonuses, reduction in salary or benefits, or any other negative employment action

Protections apply to employees and persons who submit sworn written complaints to the Commission on Ethics or provide information during complaint investigations, but do not cover those who knowingly disclose false information or who participated in the violation being reported

Provides multiple remedy paths: state employees may file complaints through the Florida Commission on Human Relations, local public employees may file with their local governmental authority within 60 days, and civil actions may be brought within 180 days; relief includes reinstatement, back pay, fringe benefits, attorney fees, and possible temporary reinstatement pending resolution

Establishes an affirmative defense allowing employers to show that the adverse action was based on grounds unrelated to the employee's protected disclosure and would have occurred regardless; effective date is July 1, 2025