Florida’s New Public-Sector Union Law Faces Initial Challenges as New Requirements Kick In

– Florida’s SB 256, which imposes new requirements on certain unions representing public-sector employees, went into effect on July 1, 2023.
– The law prohibits direct payroll dues deductions and assessments by the public employer, requires unions to be recertified if less than 60 percent of eligible employees pay dues, and mandates additional information in annual registration renewal with the Public Employees Relations Commission.
– Challenges to the law, including federal and state lawsuits filed by unions seeking to enjoin enforcement of the law’s provisions, recently fell short. – The federal court found that the unions lacked standing to enjoin the law, as they had not suffered a First Amendment injury and an injunction against the law would be ineffective.
– The state court also declined to enjoin the law, allowing certain provisions of SB 256 to go into effect on July 1, 2023.
– Public-sector employers should prepare to comply with the new law, including challenges related to stopping union dues collections.

First Challenges to Florida’s 2023 Public-Sector Union Law Fizzle as New Requirements Take Effect