3 Florida employment-related bills signed into law

The Florida Legislature concluded its 2020 session in May, but bills continue to make their way to Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature. The process has been progressing more slowly than usual because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but here are three particularly notable bills that recently went into effect.

Compensation for student athletes

Sports fans across the nation have seen a lot of traction over the past year on the issue of intercollegiate athlete compensation and rights. Recently passed Senate Bill (SB) 646 allows college athletes to receive payment for the use of their name, image, and likeness commensurate with market value. The pay can’t come from the athletes’ universities, nor can the athletes’ contracts interfere with the universities’ sponsorship contracts.

SB 646 says universities may not prohibit athletes from obtaining professional representation for the purpose of securing compensation or otherwise prevent or restrict them from receiving pay for their name, image, and likeness. Athletes’ ability to receive pay may prove to be a particularly interesting subject to follow given the pandemic’s effects on college athletics.

Verification of employment eligibility

SB 664 requires employers and contractors to begin verifying new employees’ employment eligibility effective January 1, 2021. Specifically, the bill requires all public employers, contractors, and subcontractors to: