Estado Florida

What You Need to Know About Paid Family Leave in Florida

Introduction

As part of the national movement towards paid family leave, Florida recently joined the ranks of states offering this important benefit to its residents. The Florida Paid Family Leave program, which took effect on January 1, 2023, provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill family member, or address certain military family issues.

Benefits of Paid Family Leave

Paid family leave offers numerous benefits for employees and their families, including:

• Enhanced bonding time between parents and newborns or adopted children.
• Improved health outcomes for mothers and infants.
• Reduced financial strain and job loss concerns during a family crisis.
• Increased employee loyalty and morale.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for paid family leave in Florida, employees must meet the following requirements:

• Have worked for their employer for at least 20 weeks prior to taking leave.
• Have earned at least $4,000 in wages during the 12-month period before taking leave.
• Be employed by a covered employer with at least 25 employees.

Covered Employers

The Florida Paid Family Leave program covers employers with 25 or more employees. However, certain types of employers are exempt from the program, including:

• Government agencies
• Churches and other religious organizations
• Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees

Benefits and Leave Duration

Eligible employees can receive up to 12 weeks of paid family leave at 60% of their average weekly wage, capped at the statewide average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit amount for 2023 is $543.

How to Apply

Employees can apply for paid family leave through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). The application process involves submitting a completed application form and providing supporting documentation, such as a birth certificate or medical documentation.

Next Steps

As the Florida Paid Family Leave program is still in its early stages, it is important for employers and employees to stay informed about the latest developments. Employers should review the DEO's website for guidance on implementing the program, and employees should consult with their employers or the DEO to determine their eligibility and application process.