Sick-Leave Bill Passes, but Not Without Backlash

Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill blocking local governments from enacting mandatory paid sick-time measures. Unions in both Miami-Dade and in Orange counties were seeking to require local governments to have private entities mandate sick-leave benefits for employees. Several large businesses argued the bill was necessary to avoid several local employment rules for companies.

Businesses hailed Gov. Scott's decision to pass the bill.

Thank you to Governor Rick Scott for signing the paid leave pre-emption legislation and protecting members of the tourism and hospitality industry, said Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. Our industry has consistently fought for uniformity and fairness across the state, whether it relates to inspections, licensing fees, or training requirements. Florida businesses cannot survive with competing regulations on a county-by-county basis and this legislation now allows for a level playing field for job creation and expansion.

"Protecting small businesses and jobs from union mandates that drive up costs makes Florida more competitive," saidMark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber. "This law ensures mandatory leave is decided at the state level and pre-empts union-backed efforts to have local and county governments adopt policies governing terms of employment and other wage-related issues."

Others were less than pleased with Gov. Scott's decision.

"Today, Governor Scott sided with corporations like Disney and Darden over Florida families," saidStephanie Porta, who worked to get earned sick time on the Orange County ballot. "But the fight for earned sick time will continue. Floridians believe in earned sick time for hard-working families and we dont give up when we believe in something."

"The fact that Rick Scott signed this anti-middle class, anti-family bill into law, then jumped on a plane to France, proves that the governor of Florida does not care about working middle-class families and he knows how unpopular and damaging this bill is," explained executive director of Florida Watch ActionAmy Ritter.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Stephen Precourt, R-Orlando, and Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs. The law will also require the creation of a statewide task force to analyze employment benefits and the impact of the state's pre-emption of such benefits. It will go into effect July 1.