Poder Latinx Applauds Expansion of Paid Parental Leave for Florida House Employees, Urges Broader Action for All Working Families

Orlando, FL — Poder Latinx applauds the announcement by House Speaker Daniel Pérez expanding paid parental leave policy for full-time, salaried employees of the Florida House of Representatives—an important step forward in recognizing the needs of working parents across the state. The new policy, effective immediately and retroactive to November 19, 2024, provides up to seven consecutive weeks of paid maternity leave and two weeks of paid bonding leave for both mothers and fathers following the birth or adoption of a child.

While the expanded policy offers welcomed relief to employees who serve the state, Poder Latinx urges Florida leaders to treat this change as a starting point rather than a final destination. The organization emphasizes that true economic security and family stability require comprehensive, statewide paid family and medical leave that covers all workers—particularly the Latino families who make up a significant share of Florida’s workforce.

“This decision by the Florida House is an important acknowledgment of what working families, especially Latino families, have been saying for years: parents deserve real time to heal, bond, and care for their children without risking their livelihoods. While this policy is a step in the right direction, it cannot be the finish line. Florida families deserve comprehensive paid family and medical leave that protects every worker, in every community. We urge lawmakers to build on this momentum and deliver the kind of family-centered policies that truly strengthen our state,” said Yadira Sánchez, Executive Director of Poder Latinx.

The policy, however, comes with notable limitations: bonding leave cannot be taken during the 60-day Legislative Session, and all leave is subject to supervisor approval—barriers that could impact parents’ ability to fully benefit from the policy. Poder Latinx warns that unless Florida adopts broader statewide protections, thousands of families will continue to face impossible choices between their paycheck and their child’s well-being.

“As someone organizing directly with families across Florida, I hear every day how difficult it is for parents to balance work, recovery, and caring for a newborn. Expanding paid parental leave is a meaningful step, but the limits placed on when and how parents can use this leave show we still have work to do. Our families deserve policies that reflect the realities of their lives—not policies that make bonding with a child conditional. Poder Latinx will continue advocating for stronger protections and a statewide paid leave program that ensures no parent is left behind,” said Carolina Wassmer, Florida State Director of Poder Latinx.

Poder Latinx calls on state lawmakers to move swiftly toward policies that support all workers—especially those in low-wage industries who are least likely to receive employer-provided benefits. Access to paid parental and family leave is strongly linked to improved maternal health, higher workforce retention, economic stability, and stronger early childhood outcomes.

“Today’s announcement is progress,” added Sánchez. “Now let’s make it permanent, universal, and equitable.”

###