Florida Labor and Employment Law Key Terms

Understanding elements of laws and regulations protecting the rights of employees in Florida

By Michelle Cramer

The implementation and enforcement of Florida labor and employment law protects employees' rights and interests by ensuring that their employers treat them fairly. The overall goal is to foster great working relationships between employees and employers.

You need to research labor and employment laws in the state of Florida in order to appropriately comply to protect yourself and your business. During your research you may run into some unfamiliar terms that this guide can help you sort out.

Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI)

The Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) is responsible for administering unemployment compensation and workforce development policies and guidance.
Try: Visit the Agency for Workforce Innovation website to learn more about the organization.

Workforce Florida

Workforce Florida is a board appointed by the Governor to monitor the state's workforce programs and policies. The board works closely with AWI.
Try: Learn more about Workforce Florida on their website.

Work Comp

An employee injured on the job will likely file a claim for Workers' Compensation, also known as Work Comp, in order to receive benefits for time missed from work, medical bills, the effects of permanent and partial disability and other needs.
Try: Visit the Florida Department of Financial Services website for answers to frequently asked questions for employers about Work Comp.

Child labor

Child labor laws are in place in order to protect children from being overworked. In Florida, the laws determine how many hours minors can work and what sort of duties they can perform for safety reasons.
Try: The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation lays out an employer's requirements for regulating child labor.

Overtime

Overtime refers to any amount of time an employee works over the established working day. Employers in Florida must compensate employees with extra pay for any time worked over 10 hours in one given day.
Try: The Florida Senate provides regulations regarding overtime pay and other policies under Chapter 448 of the Florida Statutes.

Florida Business Leadership Network (FBLN)

The Florida Business Leadership Network (FBLN) helps to promote policies that assist employers in hiring and working with individuals with disabilities, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. FBLN is a division of The Able Trust, the Florida governor's alliance to help citizens with disabilities obtain employment.
Try: Read more about the Florida Business Leadership Network.