Question 1

Does Florida require sexual harassment training?

Accepted Answer

Florida does not have a specific mandatory sexual harassment training statute for private employers. However, the Florida Civil Rights Act (Chapter 760) and federal Title VII create significant employer liability. Documented training is a key element of the Faragher-Ellerth affirmative defense.

Question 2

What is the Florida Responsible Vendor Act?

Accepted Answer

FL Statute §§561.701–561.706 allows alcoholic beverage licensees to obtain 'Responsible Vendor' status by providing approved training to servers on ID verification, signs of intoxication, and Florida alcohol laws. This status provides an affirmative defense in dram shop liability cases.

Question 3

What food certifications are required in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Each food service establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) with an ANSI-CFP accredited certification at all times during operation. Individual food handler cards are required at the county level — requirements vary by county.

Question 4

Does Florida's Stop WOKE Act restrict compliance training?

Accepted Answer

FL HB 7 (2022) restricts certain training concepts related to race, gender, and national origin for private employers with 15+ employees. Some provisions are under legal challenge. Employers should ensure harassment training focuses on legal standards and behavioral conduct rather than broader ideological frameworks.

Question 5

Does Florida have its own OSHA program?

Accepted Answer

Florida uses federal OSHA for private-sector employers. The Florida Occupational Safety and Health Act (FL OSHA) covers state and local government employees, administered by the Florida Department of Labor.

Question 6

How long is a Food Protection Manager certification valid in Florida?

Accepted Answer

5 years. Managers must retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam to renew.

Question 7

Are county-level food handler cards required in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many Florida counties. Requirements vary — check your local county health department. Miami-Dade, Broward, and other counties have their own food handler card requirements for food service workers.

Question 8

What is the penalty for harassment violations in Florida?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) can award up to $100,000 in compensatory damages. Federal EEOC enforcement provides additional remedies. Civil lawsuits in Florida circuit courts can result in unlimited damages including punitive damages.