To ensure compliance with Florida employment laws when hiring new employees, there are several steps that an employer should take. These steps include:
- Establishing an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy: Employers should establish and communicate a policy that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
- Posting required notices: Employers must display notices in a visible location in the workplace that inform employees of their rights under federal and state employment laws.
- Completing Form I-9: Employers are required to complete and keep on file Form I-9 for each employee hired after November 6, 1986, to verify the employee's identity and employment authorization.
- Conducting background checks: Employers may conduct background checks on potential employees as long as they comply with federal and state laws governing the use of background checks.
- Complying with minimum wage and overtime requirements: Employers must pay employees at least the minimum wage and must pay eligible employees overtime for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek.
- Providing workers' compensation insurance: Employers must provide workers' compensation insurance to their employees to cover work-related injuries or illnesses.
- Complying with family leave laws: Employers who have 50 or more employees must comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain family or medical reasons.
- Complying with unemployment compensation laws: Employers must pay unemployment compensation taxes and comply with state laws governing unemployment compensation.
It is important to note that Florida employment laws are complex and constantly changing. Employers should consult with an experienced employment law attorney to ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
By