Important Employment Laws for Hiring in Florida
When hiring an employee in Florida, there are several laws to be aware of:
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Anti-discrimination laws: Employers in Florida are prohibited from discriminating against an employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, or pregnancy. This includes all aspects of employment, including hiring. Employers must also provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.
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Minimum wage laws: In Florida, the minimum wage is currently $8.65 per hour. Employers must pay their employees at least this amount, unless the employee is exempt under federal or state law. Additionally, employers must adhere to federal laws governing overtime pay for non-exempt employees.
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Workers' compensation laws: Employers in Florida are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, which provides coverage for employees who are injured or become ill while on the job.
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Immigration laws: Employers are required to verify the employment eligibility of their employees by completing and retaining a Form I-9. There are significant penalties for knowingly employing unauthorized workers.
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Employers with 50 or more employees are required to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain family or medical reasons, such as the birth of a child or to care for a sick family member.
It is important to note that there may be additional federal and state laws that apply to your specific industry or type of business, and it is advisable to consult with an experienced employment law attorney to ensure compliance. In addition, employers should develop and maintain clear employment policies and procedures and properly document all employment decisions to minimize the risk of legal claims.
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