Articles Discussing General Topics In Florida Employment Law.

On May 3, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law SB 2006 (codified as Section 381.00316, Florida Statutes).  The law prevents business entities from requiring that patrons or customers provide documentation certifying COVID-19 vaccination or post-infection recovery to enter or obtain service from a business in Florida. It also prohibits

The Florida Supreme Court recently amended Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.510 (Summary Judgment), adopting the less restrictive federal summary judgment standard as articulated by the United States Supreme Court in Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317 (1986), Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242 (1986), and Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took two bold moves on Monday related to government oversight of COVID-19 emergency standards while declaring “we are no longer in a state of emergency.”  The first, an extension of Executive Order 21-81 announcing certain prohibitions with respect to “vaccine passports,” was expected.  The second,

Kimberly Doud and Nancy Johnson of Littler’s Orlando office are back to discuss recent developments in Florida – Florida’s new liability shield law relating to lawsuits claiming damages for COVID-related injuries, damages or death, and Florida’s latest executive order prohibiting state agencies from issuing “vaccine passports.” Kimberly and Nancy

Florida may soon join the growing number of states that have enacted comprehensive consumer privacy legislation. Backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida House Bill 969 (HB 969) would create new obligations for covered businesses and greatly expand consumers’ rights concerning their personal information, such as a right to notice about a business’s data collection and selling practices.

On December 31, 2020, the Florida Supreme Court announced the amendment of Florida’s summary judgment standard, adopting the more relaxed federal summary judgment standard, in an effort to improve the fairness and efficiency of Florida’s civil justice system and relieve parties from the burdens of meritless litigation.

On November 3, 2020, Florida voters approved Amendment 2, which will amend Florida’s constitution to gradually increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by the year 2026.  In Florida, a constitutional amendment must be passed by a “super-majority” (equal to or greater than 60%). Amendment 2 passed

On October 14, 2020, the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal granted a petition for a writ of certiorari quashing a trial court’s discovery order that had compelled an employer to produce “financial worth” discovery in an employment discrimination case. While the trial court retained broad discretion over the scope

Executive Summary: On June 30, 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law CS/HB 255 which, among other things, amends the Florida Civil Rights of 1992 (FCRA) to statutorily define the limitations period by which a plaintiff must file a lawsuit alleging a violation of the FCRA in situations where the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) has failed to issue a determination on a charge of discrimination (Charge) within 180 days of the Charge’s filing.

Florida has enacted a new law that makes the use of E-Verify mandatory for all government employers and certain private employers. This will require changes in employers’ hiring to some extent beginning January 1, 2021.

COVID-19 cases in Florida continue to increase, particularly in the Tampa Bay area. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties have enacted ordinances requiring face coverings in most indoor settings where social distancing (of at least six feet between persons) cannot be

On April 29, 2020, the eve of the natural expiration of his “Safer at Home Order,” Governor Rick DeSantis announced his “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step.” plan to reopen Florida, which he explained would include three phases in line with the guidelines previously released by the White House. Under the plan, most of Florida would enter “phase one” of the state’s reopening process at 12:01 a.m. on May 4, while continuing the fight against COVID-19.

On April 1, 2020, Florida Governor Ron Desantis issued Order 20-91 directing Floridians to limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities, and additionally directing senior citizens and individuals with significant underlying medical conditions to stay at home during the continued COVID-19 crisis. The order does not define specify at what age individuals are considered to be senior citizens. The Safer at Home Order went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 3, 2020, and will expire on April 30, 2020, unless extended by a subsequent order.

On March 25, 2020, Pinellas County issued an order directing citizens to comply with the CDC guidelines of maintaining a distance of 6 feet from other individuals and not gathering in groups of more than 10 individuals, and to limit non-essential activities during the continued COVID-19 crisis. The Safer-At-Home Order went into effect at 11:27 a.m. on March 26, 2020, and will continue until the expiration of the existing Local State of Emergency.

Case management is such an important task for litigators. We must plan how best to utilize the allotted and often limited time provided for each case.