Strike One…
In 2021 Florida passed a unique law known as the Individual Freedom Act (IFA), or “Stop-WOKE” law (the state’s acronym for “Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees”). The IFA contains two parts, one directed to...more
3/12/2024
/ Anti-Discrimination Policies ,
Bias ,
Diversity and Inclusion Standards (D&I) ,
Employee Training ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
First Amendment ,
Florida ,
Freedom of Expression ,
Injunctions ,
Race Discrimination ,
State Labor Laws ,
Stop Woke Act
On August 24, 2023, over a year after Florida’s Individual Freedom Act (IFA) (commonly referred to as the “Stop-W.O.K.E.” law) went into effect, and about one year after a Florida federal court partially enjoined the new law,...more
8/29/2023
/ Anti-Discrimination Policies ,
Bias ,
Diversity and Inclusion Standards (D&I) ,
Employee Training ,
Employees ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
First Amendment ,
Florida ,
Freedom of Expression ,
New Legislation ,
Race Discrimination ,
State Labor Laws ,
Stop Woke Act
Following a series of stops and starts, Florida’s Individual Freedom Act (IFA), or the so-called “Stop-WOKE” law, was partially enjoined on August 18, 2022. The law, which went into effect July 1, 2022, had dramatically...more
On June 27, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida denied a request to enjoin the provisions of Florida HB 7, named the Individual Freedom Act (“IFA”) or the so-called “Stop-WOKE” law (the state’s...more
6/29/2022
/ Anti-Discrimination Policies ,
Bias ,
Diversity and Inclusion Standards (D&I) ,
Employee Training ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
Florida ,
Freedom of Expression ,
Governor DeSantis ,
Motion To Enjoin ,
New Legislation ,
Preliminary Injunctions ,
Race Discrimination ,
State Labor Laws ,
Stop Woke Act
As we reported previously, Governor DeSantis signed the “Stop WOKE” Act into law on Friday, April 22, 2022. Ten minutes later, five individuals, including three teachers, a student, and an individual consultant who provides...more
4/26/2022
/ Anti-Discrimination Policies ,
Bias ,
Diversity and Inclusion Standards (D&I) ,
Due Process ,
Employee Training ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
Florida ,
Fourteenth Amendment ,
Freedom of Expression ,
New Legislation ,
Preliminary Injunctions ,
Race Discrimination ,
State Labor Laws ,
Stop Woke Act
On April 22, 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law so-called “anti-woke” legislation, amending the Florida Civil Rights Act and potentially limiting the ability of employers to include discussions of “implicit...more
After the passage of Florida Statute 381.00317 on November 17, 2021, employers with employees in Florida were left with new rules relating to COVID-19 vaccination policies, in many instances contrary to the signaled direction...more
12/14/2021
/ Coronavirus/COVID-19 ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
Employer Mandates ,
Federal v State Law Application ,
Florida ,
Governor DeSantis ,
Infectious Diseases ,
Opt-Outs ,
Reasonable Accommodation ,
Vaccinations ,
Workplace Safety
As we relayed in our prior ASAP, Governor DeSantis signed HB-1B into law on November 18, potentially affecting all Florida employers and certainly causing many to reconsider any policies already adopted relating in any way to...more
11/22/2021
/ Biden Administration ,
Coronavirus/COVID-19 ,
Corporate Counsel ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
Employer Mandates ,
Federal v State Law Application ,
Florida ,
Governor DeSantis ,
Health and Safety ,
Infectious Diseases ,
OSHA ,
Preemption ,
Vaccinations ,
Workplace Safety
On November 15, the Florida Legislature convened for a special session to consider four proposed laws reacting to the recent federal vaccine mandates applicable to various employers throughout the country. ...more
11/19/2021
/ Biden Administration ,
Coronavirus/COVID-19 ,
Emergency Management Plans ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
Employer Mandates ,
Federal v State Law Application ,
Florida ,
Governor DeSantis ,
Health and Safety ,
Infectious Diseases ,
New Legislation ,
Opt-Outs ,
Preemption ,
Public Health Emergency ,
Reasonable Accommodation ,
Supremacy Clause ,
Vaccinations ,
Virus Testing ,
Workplace Safety
The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt in every corner of Florida and have dramatically affected the way that we do business, the way we interact, and the way we live. This article offers guidance on Florida’s progress...more
6/8/2020
/ Amusement Parks ,
Child Care ,
Coronavirus/COVID-19 ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
Employer Responsibilities ,
Hospitality Industry ,
Re-Opening Guidelines ,
Retailers ,
Shopping Malls ,
Social Distancing ,
Workplace Decontamination ,
Workplace Safety
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...more