As a business leader, you already know that compliance is of utmost importance in any workplace. With a diverse workforce and a rapidly changing legal landscape, HR professionals in Florida must stay up to date with the latest compliance requirements to protect both their organizations and employees. Failure to comply with these laws can result in costly legal consequences, reputational damage, and loss of employee trust.
A strong focus on compliance is essential for HR leaders in Florida to maintain a fair and inclusive work environment while mitigating legal risks. Here are just a few of the statewide compliance updates for 2024.
Understanding Employment Discrimination Laws in Florida
Florida law protects employees from discrimination based on certain characteristics. These include race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, religion, disability, age (40 and older), and genetic information. Employers are not allowed to treat employees unfairly because of these factors.
Most employers in Florida must follow anti-discrimination laws. This includes private companies with 15 or more employees, as well as state and local government entities. However, some smaller employers may be exempt from certain provisions.
Florida law prohibits various discriminatory practices. Employers cannot refuse to hire, fire, or demote an employee based on their protected characteristics. It is also illegal to harass employees or create a hostile work environment because of these factors.
Employees in Florida are protected from retaliation if they oppose discriminatory practices or file a complaint. Employers cannot take negative actions, such as firing or demoting, against employees who exercise their rights under anti-discrimination laws.
If an employee believes they have experienced discrimination, they can file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It is important to file within the specified time limits, and the article provides contact information for both agencies.
If an employee successfully proves discrimination, they may be entitled to various remedies. These can include back pay (compensation for lost wages), reinstatement (getting their job back), promotion, compensatory damages (for emotional distress), and attorney’s fees.
In addition to the basic protections, Florida has other laws that provide further safeguards against discrimination. The Florida Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offer additional protections and legal recourse for employees.
Florida’s Minimum Wage Changes through 2026
As of September 30, 2023, Florida’s minimum wage is $12 per hour. This rate applies to most employees in the state, with some exceptions for tipped employees and certain other categories. Florida’s minimum wage will increase annually until it reaches $15 per hour in 2026. These increases are scheduled to take place on September 30th of each year.
The specific increases are as follows:
- September 30, 2024: $13 per hour
- September 30, 2025: $14 per hour
- September 30, 2026: $15 per hour
For tipped employees, such as those in the hospitality industry, the minimum wage will also increase gradually. The current rate is $8.98 per hour, and it will increase by $1 each year until it reaches $11.98 per hour in 2026.
Employers in Florida are required to comply with the minimum wage laws. This includes ensuring that employees are paid at least the minimum wage rate for their work hours. Employers must also display the official minimum wage poster in a visible location.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is responsible for enforcing minimum wage laws in the state. Employers who fail to comply with these laws may face penalties, including fines and potential legal action from employees.
Florida Approves 15.1% Decrease in Workers’ Compensation Rate for 2024
Florida has approved a significant decrease of 15.1% in the workers’ compensation rate for the year 2024. This reduction is good news for both employers and employees in the state.
The decrease in the workers’ compensation rate means that employers will have to pay less for workers’ compensation insurance. This can help reduce their overall costs and provide financial relief.
For employees, the decrease in the workers’ compensation rate means that employers will have lower insurance costs. This can potentially lead to more stable employment opportunities and better job security.
The decrease in the workers’ compensation rate is a result of various factors. These include improved workplace safety measures, a decrease in the number of workplace injuries, and effective management of workers’ compensation claims.
Lower workers’ compensation rates can have several positive effects. They encourage employers to prioritize workplace safety, as fewer accidents and injuries can lead to reduced insurance costs. Additionally, lower rates can attract businesses to the state, potentially boosting economic growth and job opportunities.
While the decrease in rates is beneficial, it is important for employers to ensure they maintain adequate workers’ compensation coverage. This coverage provides financial protection for employees in the event of work-related injuries or illnesses.
Employers in Florida are required by law to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. Compliance with this requirement helps protect both employers and employees in case of workplace accidents or injuries.
To navigate the changes in workers’ compensation rates, employers are encouraged to consult with their insurance providers. These professionals can provide guidance on the appropriate coverage and help employers understand the impact of the rate decrease on their specific situation.
How Paycor Helps
Compliance is a moving target. Changes at the federal, state, and local levels can make HR leaders and business owners uneasy. Keeping up with everything can be a full-time job. Paycor helps more than 30,000 customers mitigate risk and stay ahead of regulations. To learn more, download our free HR Playbook: How Paycor Helps You Manage Compliance Risk, or take a compliance product tour.