Picture waking up in the Sunshine State with a sore throat, the sniffles, or a full-blown case of the flu. You’re not alone—many Floridians find themselves in similar situations. Whether it's dealing with seasonal allergies in Orlando or managing a fever in Miami, the question remains: what sick leave benefits do Florida workers have?
Florida's approach to sick leave is unique and significantly different from the policies of other states like California or New York, where paid sick leave is mandated by law. In Florida, private-sector employers are not required to provide sick leave, paid or unpaid. However, employers still offer sick leave to many of their workers, either voluntarily or as part of their benefits package. While there may not be state-wide mandates for paid sick leave, there are still important considerations for both employees and employers in Florida.
Here’s what you need to know about sick leave for Florida employees in 2025.
Florida does not have a statewide law requiring private employers to provide paid sick leave to their workers. This means that sick leave policies are left up to individual employers. Some businesses provide paid sick leave, while others may offer it as part of a Paid Time Off (PTO) package that includes vacation and personal days.
While Florida doesn't mandate paid sick leave, public-sector employees (those working for state or local government agencies) typically have access to sick leave benefits governed by state or local rules. These policies vary by agency but generally allow for sick leave accrual based on the hours worked.
Another important aspect of Florida's approach is that the state prohibits local governments from creating their own sick leave ordinances. This means that, unlike states where local cities and counties can enact their own sick leave laws, Florida keeps its policies uniform statewide.
While Florida doesn’t require employers to offer paid sick leave, federal laws provide some protections for workers, notably the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA is a federal law that provides unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying employees who need time off for health-related reasons.
While Florida doesn’t mandate paid sick leave, many employers still provide it to attract and retain top talent. Common practices for sick leave include:
While the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provided special leave benefits for COVID-19-related absences, these provisions expired. However, many Florida employers still allow employees to use their accrued sick leave for COVID-19 related issues such as:
Employers may also consider COVID-19-related absences under PTO policies if the employee has accumulated paid time off.
The ability to use sick leave depends on an employee's specific employer’s policy. Common reasons for taking sick leave include:
Covered family members often include:
Unlike their private-sector counterparts, public-sector employees (e.g., state and local government workers) in Florida usually have more clearly defined sick leave policies. These policies often include:
These policies vary by agency, so it’s essential for public-sector employees to consult their specific agency’s guidelines for details.
Even though Florida does not require sick leave, offering sick leave can have significant benefits for employers, including:
Employers in Florida should clearly outline their sick leave policies in employee handbooks to ensure consistency and compliance with federal laws like FMLA.
There are some common misconceptions about sick leave in Florida that we want to clarify:
Q: Can an employer require a doctor’s note?
A: Yes, employers can request a doctor’s note or other documentation for extended absences, typically after three consecutive days of sick leave.
Q: Can I lose my job for taking sick leave?
A: No. Employees are protected from retaliation under federal laws like FMLA, but only if the leave qualifies for FMLA protection or if the employer's policies explicitly allow it. If sick leave is not covered by FMLA or company policies, job protection may not apply.
Q: What if my employer offers no sick leave?
A: If your employer does not offer sick leave, you may need to rely on PTO (if available), FMLA leave for serious health conditions, or take unpaid leave.
Sick leave is a vital benefit for workers, offering financial stability and peace of mind when illness strikes. For employers, providing sick leave supports a healthy, productive workforce and promotes employee satisfaction and loyalty.
While Florida doesn’t require paid sick leave, many employers choose to offer it to improve employee well-being and retain top talent. As an employee, understanding your employer’s sick leave policies and your rights under federal laws like FMLA is crucial.
For more information about sick leave policies in Florida, consult your employer’s handbook or visit the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity or the United States Department of Labor for additional guidance.
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