Florida 2025 Regular Session Status: To Executive 1 R cosponsors

HB 1219 — Employment Agreements

Last action — Chapter No. 2025-213

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2025 Regular Session. It reached “To Executive” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

Signed by Governor Ron DeSantis (Republican) on June 18, 2025.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Employment Agreements; Provides that certain covered garden leave agreements are not restraint of trade or attempt to monopolize trade or commerce; requires court to enter preliminary injunction to stop covered employees, businesses, entities, or individuals if breach of covered garden leave agreement is alleged; provides that certain covered noncompete agreements are not restraint of trade or attempt to monopolize trade or commerce; requires court to enter preliminary injunction to stop covered employees, businesses, entities, or individuals if breach of covered noncompete agreement is alleged.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

351 added · 649 removed

351 line(s) added, 649 removed.

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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 A bill to be entitled An act relating to employment agreements;
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 A bill to be entitled An act relating to employment agreements;
authorizing the court to modify such an injunction if a covered employee, business, entity, or individual establishes certain information Page 1 of 26 CODING:
authorizing the court to modify such an injunction if a covered employee, business, entity, or individual establishes certain information Page 1 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 by clear and convincing evidence;
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 by clear and convincing evidence;
providing that a prevailing covered Page 2 of 26 CODING:
providing that a prevailing covered Page 2 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 employer is entitled to recover all available monetary damages for all available claims;
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 employer is entitled to recover all available monetary damages for all available claims;
amending ss.
542.15, 542.16, 542.17, 542.20, 542.22, 542.23, 542.235, 542.24, 542.25, 542.26, 542.27, 542.28, 542.29, 542.30, 542.31, 542.32, 542.33, 542.35, and 542.36, F.S.;
conforming provisions to changes made by the act;
542.41-542.45, Florida Statutes, is created and entitled the "Florida Contracts Honoring Opportunity, Page 3 of 26 CODING:
542.41-542.45, Florida Statutes, is created and entitled the "Florida Contracts Honoring Opportunity, Investment, Confidentiality, and Economic Growth (CHOICE) Act." 542.41 Short title.—This part may be cited as the "Florida Contracts Honoring Opportunity, Investment, Confidentiality, and Economic Growth (CHOICE) Act." Page 3 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 Investment, Confidentiality, and Economic Growth (CHOICE) Act." 542.41 Short title.—This part may be cited as the "Florida Contracts Honoring Opportunity, Investment, Confidentiality, and Economic Growth (CHOICE) Act." 542.42 Legislative findings.—The Legislature finds that a proper and legitimate state interest is served by enforcing strong legal protections in contracts between employers and contracted personnel which encourage optimal levels of information sharing and training and development.
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 542.42 Legislative findings.—The Legislature finds that a proper and legitimate state interest is served by enforcing strong legal protections in contracts between employers and contracted personnel which encourage optimal levels of information sharing and training and development.
(1) "Annual mean wage of employees in Florida" or "annual mean wage" means the most recent annual mean wage as calculated by the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, or its successor calculation, for all occupations in Page 4 of 26 CODING:
(1) "Annual mean wage of employees in Florida" or "annual mean wage" means the most recent annual mean wage as calculated by the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, or its successor calculation, for all occupations in this state.
(2) "Benefit" means access to health insurance, life insurance, or disability insurance that is the same as or similar to the insurance that a covered employee had access to Page 4 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 this state.
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 and at the same cost to that employee during the month before the commencement of his or her notice period.
(2) "Benefit" means access to health insurance, life insurance, or disability insurance that is the same as or similar to the insurance that a covered employee had access to and at the same cost to that employee during the month before the commencement of his or her notice period.
and (c) The covered employer agrees to retain the covered employee for the duration of such notice period and to continue paying the covered employee the same salary and providing the Page 5 of 26 CODING:
and (c) The covered employer agrees to retain the covered employee for the duration of such notice period and to continue paying the covered employee the same salary and providing the same benefits that the covered employee received from the covered employer in the last month before the commencement of the notice period.
The covered employer is not obligated to provide discretionary incentive compensation or benefits or have Page 5 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 same benefits that the covered employee received from the covered employer in the last month before the commencement of the notice period.
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 the covered employee continue performing any work during the notice period.
The covered employer is not obligated to provide discretionary incentive compensation or benefits or have the covered employee continue performing any work during the notice period.
(8) "Notice period" means the date from the covered employee's or covered employer's written notice of intent to terminate the covered employee's employment through the date of Page 6 of 26 CODING:
(8) "Notice period" means the date from the covered employee's or covered employer's written notice of intent to terminate the covered employee's employment through the date of termination as set forth in a covered garden leave agreement.
(9) "Primary place of work" means the location where the covered employee spends more work time than any other single workplace.
Page 6 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 termination as set forth in a covered garden leave agreement.
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 (10) "Salary" means the base compensation, calculated on an annualized basis, which a covered employer pays a covered employee, including a base wage, a salary, a professional fee, or other compensation for personal services, and the fair market value of any benefit other than cash.
(9) "Primary place of work" means the location where the covered employee spends more work time than any other single workplace.
(10) "Salary" means the base compensation, calculated on an annualized basis, which a covered employer pays a covered employee, including a base wage, a salary, a professional fee, or other compensation for personal services, and the fair market value of any benefit other than cash.
or (b) A covered garden leave agreement with a covered employer whose principal place of business is in this state and which employer is expressly governed by the laws of this state.
or (b) A covered employee who is subject to a covered garden leave agreement with a covered employer with a significant nexus to this state.
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(2) RESTRAINT OF TRADE.—A covered garden leave agreement does not violate public policy as a restraint of trade, as described in s.
542.18, or an attempt to monopolize trade or commerce in this state, as described in s.
542.19, and is fully Page 7 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 (2) RESTRAINT OF TRADE.—A covered garden leave agreement does not violate public policy as a restraint of trade, as described in s.
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 enforceable according to its terms, provided that:
542.18, or an attempt to monopolize trade or commerce in this state, as described in s.
542.19, and is fully enforceable according to its terms, provided that:
3.
and 3.
The covered employee may, with the permission of the covered employer, work for another employer while still employed by the covered employer during the remainder of the notice period;
The covered employee may, with the permission of the covered employer, work for another employer while still employed by the covered employer during the remainder of the notice period.
and 4.
4.
The garden leave agreement notice period may be reduced during the notice period if the covered employer provides at least 30 days' advance notice in writing to the covered Page 8 of 26 CODING:
The garden leave agreement notice period may be reduced during the notice period if the covered employer provides at least 30 days' advance notice in writing to the covered employee.
(3) NOTICE.— (a) A covered employer must provide a proposed covered garden leave agreement to:
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hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 employee.
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 1.
(3) NOTICE.— (a) A covered employer must provide a proposed covered garden leave agreement to:
1.
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The covered employee will not perform, during the Page 9 of 26 CODING:
The covered employee will not perform, during the notice period, any work similar to the services provided to the covered employer during the 3-year period preceding the commencement of the notice period, or use confidential information or customer relationships of the covered employer;
Page 9 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 notice period, any work similar to the services provided to the covered employer during the 3-year period preceding the commencement of the notice period, or use confidential information or customer relationships of the covered employer;
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 or 2.
or 2.
The business or individual seeking to employ or engage the covered employee is not engaged in, and is not planning or preparing to engage in, any business activity similar to that Page 10 of 26 CODING:
The business or individual seeking to employ or engage the covered employee is not engaged in, and is not planning or preparing to engage in, any business activity similar to those engaged in by the covered employer during the notice period.
Any information filed with the court which the covered employer deems to be confidential must be filed under seal to protect Page 10 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 engaged in by the covered employer during the notice period.
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 confidentiality or avoid substantial injury.
Any information filed with the court which the covered employer deems to be confidential must be filed under seal to protect confidentiality or avoid substantial injury.
(a) A covered noncompete agreement with a covered employee who maintains a primary place of work in this state, regardless Page 11 of 26 CODING:
(a) A covered noncompete agreement with a covered employee who maintains a primary place of work in this state, regardless of any applicable choice of law provisions;
or (b) A covered employee who is subject to a covered noncompete agreement with a covered employer with a significant nexus to this state.
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hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 of any applicable choice of law provisions;
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 In either case, if any provision of this section is in conflict with any other law, the provisions of this section govern.
or (b) A covered noncompete agreement with a covered employer whose principal place of business is in this state and which employer is expressly governed by the laws of this state.
In either case, if any provision of this section is in conflict with any other law, the provisions of this section govern.
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(a) A prospective covered employee at least 7 days before an offer of employment expires;
or (b) A current covered employee at least 7 days before the date that an offer to enter into a covered noncompete agreement Page 12 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 (a) A prospective covered employee at least 7 days before an offer of employment expires;
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 expires.
or (b) A current covered employee at least 7 days before the date that an offer to enter into a covered noncompete agreement expires.
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(b) Upon application by a covered employer seeking enforcement of a covered noncompete agreement, a court must preliminarily enjoin a business, an entity, or an individual from engaging a covered employee during the covered employee's Page 13 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 (b) Upon application by a covered employer seeking enforcement of a covered noncompete agreement, a court must preliminarily enjoin a business, an entity, or an individual from engaging a covered employee during the covered employee's noncompete period.
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 noncompete period.
The business or individual seeking to employ or engage the covered employee is not engaged in, and is not planning or preparing to engage in, any business activity in the geographic area specified in the noncompete agreement during the noncompete period if such business activity is similar to that engaged in by the covered employer.
The business or individual seeking to employ or engage the covered employee is not engaged in, and is not planning or preparing to engage in, any business activity in the geographic area specified in the noncompete agreement during the noncompete period if such business activity is similar to those engaged in by the covered employer.
A court must presume that an employee or individual contractor has access to confidential information or customer relationships if the Page 14 of 26 CODING:
A court must presume that an employee or individual contractor has access to confidential information or customer relationships if the employee or individual contractor acknowledges the access or receipt of such access in writing.
(c) The injunctive relief provided in this section is not an exclusive remedy, and a prevailing covered employer is Page 14 of 15 CODING:
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 employee or individual contractor acknowledges the access or receipt of such access in writing.
hb1219-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 1219 2025 entitled to recover all available monetary damages for all available claims.
(c) The injunctive relief provided in this section is not an exclusive remedy, and a prevailing covered employer is entitled to recover all available monetary damages for all available claims.
Section 542.15, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.15 Short title.—This part act shall be known and may be cited as the "Florida Antitrust Act of 1980." Section 4.
Section 542.16, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
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words underlined are additions.
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 542.16 Purpose.—The Legislature declares it to be the purpose of this part act to complement the body of federal law prohibiting restraints of trade or commerce in order to foster effective competition.
It is the intent of the Legislature that this part act be liberally construed to accomplish its beneficial purpose.
Section 5.
Section 542.17, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.17 Definitions.—Unless a different meaning is clearly indicated by the context, for the purposes of this part chapter, the terms defined in this section have the following meanings ascribed to them:
(1) "Commodity" means any goods, merchandise, wares, produce, chose in action, land, article of commerce, or other tangible or intangible property, real, personal, or mixed, for use, consumption, production, enjoyment, or resale.
(2) "Service" means any kind of activity performed in whole or in part for economic benefit.
(3) "Person" means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, incorporated or unincorporated association, professional association, or other legal, commercial, or governmental entity, including the State of Florida, its departments, agencies, political subdivisions, and units of government.
(4) "Trade or commerce" means any economic activity of any Page 16 of 26 CODING:
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words underlined are additions.
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 type whatsoever involving any commodity or service whatsoever.
(5) "Document" means any stored or retained data or information in whatever form.
(6) "Attorney General" includes not only the Attorney General of Florida but also any designee of the Attorney General or any assistant attorney general or special assistant attorney general.
(7) "State attorney" includes not only the state attorneys of Florida but also any designee of a state attorney or any assistant state attorney or special assistant state attorney.
(8) "Local government" means a municipality, county, school district, or any other general-function or special- function governmental unit established by the laws of the state.
Section 6.
Section 542.20, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.20 Exemptions.—Any activity or conduct exempt under Florida statutory or common law or exempt from the provisions of the antitrust laws of the United States is exempt from the provisions of this part chapter.
Section 7.
Subsection (1) of section 542.22, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.22 Suits for damages.— (1) Any person who shall be injured in her or his business or property by reason of any violation of s.
542.18 or s.
542.19 may sue therefor in the circuit courts of this state and shall Page 17 of 26 CODING:
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words underlined are additions.
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 recover threefold the damages by her or him sustained, and the cost of suit, including a reasonable attorney's fee.
The court shall award a reasonable attorney's fee to a defendant prevailing in any action under this part chapter for damages or equitable relief in which the court finds there was a complete absence of a justiciable issue of either law or fact raised by the plaintiff.
Section 8.
Section 542.23, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.23 Equitable remedies.—In addition to other remedies provided by this part chapter, any person shall be entitled to sue for and have injunctive or other equitable relief in the circuit courts of this state against threatened loss or damage by a violation of this part chapter.
In any action under this section in which the plaintiff substantially prevails, the court shall award the cost of suit, including a reasonable attorney's fee, to the plaintiff.
Section 9.
Subsection (4) of section 542.235, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.235 Limitations of actions and penalties against local governments and their officials and employees.— (4) No criminal action shall be maintained pursuant to s.
542.21(2), and no civil penalties, damages, interest on damages, costs, or attorneys' fees shall be recovered pursuant to s.
542.21(1) or s.
542.22, against any local government official or Page 18 of 26 CODING:
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words underlined are additions.
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 employee for official conduct within the scope of her or his lawful authority, unless the official or employee has violated the provisions of this part chapter for the purpose of deriving personal financial or professional gain or for the professional or financial gain of her or his immediate family or of any principal by whom the official is retained.
Section 10.
Section 542.24, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.24 Consent decrees and settlement agreements.—In a civil action maintained under this part chapter by the Attorney General or a state attorney, any party to such action may petition the court for entry of a consent decree or for approval of a settlement agreement.
The proposed decree or agreement shall set out the alleged violations, the future obligations of the parties, the damages or other relief agreed upon, and the reasons for entering into the consent decree or settlement agreement.
Section 11.
Section 542.25, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.25 Judgment in favor of state as prima facie evidence.—A final judgment or decree entered in any civil or criminal proceeding brought by the Attorney General or a state attorney under s.
542.21 or s.
542.23 to the effect that a defendant has violated s.
542.18 or s.
542.19, or entered in any civil or criminal proceeding brought by the United States Page 19 of 26 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 Department of Justice under comparable federal laws, shall be prima facie evidence against such defendant in any civil action or proceeding under this part chapter brought by any other person against such defendant as to all matters with respect to which such judgment or decree would be an estoppel as between the parties thereto;
however, this section does not apply to a consent judgment or decree entered before any testimony has been taken.
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to impose any limitation on the application of collateral estoppel.
Section 12.
Subsection (2) of section 542.26, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.26 Limitation of actions.— (2) Whenever any civil or criminal proceeding is instituted by the Attorney General or a state attorney to prevent, restrain, or punish any violation of this part chapter, the running of the statute of limitations, with respect to every private right of action arising under this part chapter and based in whole or in part on any matter complained of in said proceeding, shall be suspended during the pendency thereof and for 1 year thereafter.
Whenever the running of the statute of limitations in respect of a cause of action arising under s.
542.22(1) is suspended hereunder, any action to enforce such cause of action shall be forever barred unless commenced either within the period of suspension or within the period of limitation.
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hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 Section 13.
Section 542.27, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.27 Enforcement authority.— (1) The Attorney General, or a state attorney with written permission from the Attorney General, acting jointly or independently, may commence and try all criminal prosecutions under this part chapter.
Criminal prosecutions under this part chapter shall be commenced by indictment.
With respect to commencement and trial of such prosecutions, the Attorney General or a state attorney shall have all the powers and duties vested by law with respect to criminal prosecutions generally.
Incident to any investigation commenced under this part chapter, the Attorney General may participate in and appear before a grand jury in assistance of any state attorney, irrespective of the provisions of chapter 905.
(2) The Attorney General is authorized to institute or intervene in civil proceedings seeking the full range of relief afforded by this part chapter or by federal laws pertaining to antitrust or restraints of trade on behalf of the state, its departments, agencies, and units of government.
In addition, the Attorney General, as chief state legal officer, may institute any action authorized under this part chapter, federal laws pertaining to antitrust or restraints of trade, or similar laws of other states on behalf of natural persons in the state.
(3) Whenever the Attorney General, by her or his own Page 21 of 26 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 inquiry or as a result of a complaint, suspects that a violation of this part chapter or federal laws pertaining to restraints of trade is imminent, occurring, or has occurred, the Attorney General may investigate such suspected violation.
Section 14.
Paragraph (b) of subsection (2), paragraph (b) of subsection (3), and subsections (5) and (13) of section 542.28, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
542.28 Civil investigative demand.— (2) The demand shall:
(b) State the nature of the conduct which constitutes the violation of this part chapter or of the federal antitrust laws and which is alleged to have occurred or to be imminent.
(3) No such demand shall require the production of any documentary material, the submission of any answers to written interrogatories, or the giving of any oral testimony if such material, answers, or testimony would be protected from disclosure under:
(b) The standards applicable to a discovery request under the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, to the extent that the application of such standards to any such demand is appropriate and consistent with the provisions and purposes of this part chapter.
(5) Within 30 days after the service of an investigative demand upon any person or at any time before the return date specified therein, whichever period is longer, the person served Page 22 of 26 CODING:
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words underlined are additions.
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 may file in the circuit court in and for the county in which the person resides or transacts business, and serve upon the Attorney General or state attorney, a petition for an order of the court modifying or setting aside the demand.
The time allowed for compliance in whole or in part with the demand as deemed proper and ordered by the court shall not run while the petition is pending before the court.
The petition shall specify each ground upon which the petitioner relies in seeking relief and may be based upon the failure of the demand to comply with the provisions of this part chapter or upon any constitutional or other legal right or privilege of such person.
(13) Nothing contained in this section shall impair the authority of the Attorney General or state attorney to:
(a) Institute a civil proceeding under s.
542.22;
(b) Lay before a grand jury of this state evidence concerning a violation of this part chapter;
(c) Invoke the power of a court to compel the production of evidence before a grand jury;
or (d) File a civil complaint or criminal indictment alleging a violation of this part chapter.
Section 15.
Section 542.29, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.29 Duty of public officers.—In any investigation and in any criminal or civil action commenced pursuant to this part chapter, it shall be the duty of all public officers and their Page 23 of 26 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 deputies, assistants, clerks, subordinates, or employees to render and furnish to the Attorney General or a state attorney, when so requested, assistance and all information available in their official capacity.
Section 16.
Section 542.30, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.30 Jurisdiction and venue.—Without regard to the amount in controversy, a suit or proceeding brought under this part chapter shall be brought in the circuit court in and for any county in which the cause of action arose;
in which any defendant resides, is found, or has an agent;
or in which any act in furtherance of the conduct prohibited by this part chapter occurred.
Section 17.
Section 542.31, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.31 Action not barred as affecting or involving interstate or foreign commerce.—No action under this part chapter shall be barred on the grounds that the activity or conduct complained of in any way affects or involves interstate or foreign commerce.
It is the intent of the Legislature to exercise its powers to the fullest extent consistent with the Constitutions of this state and the United States.
Section 18.
Section 542.32, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.32 Rule of construction and coverage.—It is the intent Page 24 of 26 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 of the Legislature that, in construing this part chapter, due consideration and great weight be given to the interpretations of the federal courts relating to comparable federal antitrust statutes.
In particular, the failure to include in this part chapter the substantive provisions of s.
3 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C.
s.
14, shall not be deemed in any way to limit the scope of s.
542.18 or s.
542.19.
Section 19.
Subsection (1) of section 542.33, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.33 Contracts in restraint of trade valid.— (1) Notwithstanding other provisions of this part chapter to the contrary, each contract by which any person is restrained from exercising a lawful profession, trade, or business of any kind, as provided by subsections (2) and (3) hereof, is to that extent valid, and all other contracts in restraint of trade are void.
Section 20.
Section 542.35, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.35 Remedies cumulative.—The remedies provided by this part act are cumulative of each other and of existing powers and remedies inherent in the courts.
Section 21.
Section 542.36, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
542.36 Continuing violations.—Violations commenced prior to October 1, 1980, the effective date of this act and Page 25 of 26 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb1219-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 1219 2025 continuing after the effective date shall be actionable as provided in this part chapter.
The fact that any conduct occurred prior to October 1, 1980, the effective date of this act shall not affect its relevance in proving that a violation of this part chapter has occurred or is occurring.
Section 22.
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hb1219-02-c2
hb1219-01-c1
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Action History

  1. Chapter No. 2025-213

  2. Allowed to become Law without Governor's Signature

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

  4. Ordered enrolled

  5. In Messages

  6. CS passed; YEAS 28 NAYS 9

  7. Read 3rd time

  8. Read 2nd time

  9. Substituted for CS/CS/CS/SB 922

  10. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

  11. Withdrawn from Rules

  12. Received

  13. Referred to Rules

  14. In Messages

  15. CS passed; YEAS 91, NAYS 21

  16. Read 3rd time

  17. Added to Third Reading Calendar

  18. Placed on 3rd reading

  19. Read 2nd time

  20. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 3)

  21. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (4/23/2025)

  22. Bill referred to House Calendar

  23. CS Filed

  24. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

  25. Reported out of Commerce Committee

  26. Favorable with CS by Commerce Committee

  27. Added to Commerce Committee agenda

  28. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 2)

  29. Now in Commerce Committee

  30. Referred to Commerce Committee

  31. CS Filed

  32. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

  33. Reported out of Judiciary Committee

  34. Favorable with CS by Judiciary Committee

  35. Added to Judiciary Committee agenda

  36. Now in Judiciary Committee

  37. Referred to Commerce Committee

  38. Referred to Judiciary Committee

  39. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)

  40. CS Filed

  41. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

  42. Reported out of Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee

  43. Favorable with CS by Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee

  44. PCS added to Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee agenda

  45. Now in Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee

  46. Referred to Commerce Committee

  47. Referred to Judiciary Committee

  48. Referred to Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee

  49. 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)

  50. Filed

Sponsors

  • Traci Koster · Primary
  • Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee · Primary
  • Judiciary Committee · Primary
  • Commerce Committee · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

4 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 160 not signed on · 30 voted No

Sponsors (4)

  • Koster, Traci Republican
  • Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee
  • Judiciary Committee
  • Commerce Committee

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (160)

160 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 160 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Third Reading

Passed 28 Yea · 9 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 1900
Republican 25000
Unaffiliated 1001
No Party Affiliation 1000
Total 28901
% of votes cast 74%24%0%3%
How each member voted (38)
Member Party Vote
Ingoglia — Yea
Collins — Not Voting
Arrington, Kristen Aston Democrat Nay
Berman, Lori Democrat Yea
Bernard, Mack Democrat Nay
Davis, Tracie Democrat Nay
Jones, Shevrin D. "Shev" Democrat Nay
Osgood, Rosalind Democrat Nay
Polsky, Tina Scott Democrat Nay
Rouson, Darryl Ervin Democrat Nay
Sharief, Barbara Democrat Nay
Smith, Carlos Guillermo Democrat Nay
Pizzo, Jason W. B. No Party Affiliation Yea
Albritton, Ben Republican Yea
Boyd, Jim Republican Yea
Bradley, Jennifer Republican Yea
Brodeur, Jason Republican Yea
Burgess, Danny Republican Yea
Burton, Colleen Republican Yea
Calatayud, Alexis Republican Yea
DiCeglie, Nick Republican Yea
Gaetz, Don Republican Yea
Garcia, Ileana Republican Yea
Grall, Erin Republican Yea
Gruters, Joe Republican Yea
Harrell, Gayle Republican Yea
Hooper, Ed Republican Yea
Leek, Thomas J. "Tom" Republican Yea
Martin, Jonathan Republican Yea
McClain, Stan Republican Yea
Passidomo, Kathleen Republican Yea
Rodriguez, Ana Maria Republican Yea
Simon, Corey Republican Yea
Truenow, Keith L. Republican Yea
Trumbull, Jay Republican Yea
Vacant Republican Yea
Wright, Tom A. Republican Yea
Yarborough, Clay Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Passage, Third Reading

Passed 91 Yea · 21 Nay · 7 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 78003
Democrat 92103
Unaffiliated 4001
Total 912107
% of votes cast 76%18%0%6%
How each member voted (119)
Member Party Vote
Caruso — Yea
Casello — Yea
Tomkow — Yea
Temple — Not Voting
Lopez, V. — Yea
Alvarez, Jose Democrat Yea
Antone, Bruce Hadley Democrat Not Voting
Aristide, Wallace Democrat Yea
Bartleman, Robin Democrat Yea
Bracy Davis, LaVon Democrat Nay
Campbell, Daryl Democrat Nay
Chambliss, Kevin D. Democrat Yea
Cross, Lindsay Democrat Nay
Daley, Dan Democrat Nay
Daniels, Kimberly Democrat Yea
Driskell, Fentrice Democrat Not Voting
Dunkley, Lisa Democrat Yea
Edmonds, Jervonte "Tae" Democrat Nay
Eskamani, Dr. Anna V. Democrat Nay
Franklin II, Gallop Democrat Nay
Gantt, Ashley Viola Democrat Nay
Gottlieb, Michael "Mike" Democrat Yea
Harris, Jennifer "Rita" Democrat Nay
Hart-Lowman, Dianne "Ms Dee" Democrat Nay
Hinson, Yvonne Hayes Democrat Nay
Hunschofsky, Christine Democrat Nay
Joseph, Dotie Democrat Nay
López, Johanna Democrat Nay
Nixon, Angela "Angie" Democrat Nay
Rayner, Michele K. Democrat Nay
Robinson, Felicia Simone Democrat Nay
Rosenwald, Mitch Democrat Yea
Skidmore, Kelly Democrat Nay
Smith, Carlos Guillermo Democrat Yea
Spencer, Leonard Democrat Nay
Tant, Allison Democrat Nay
Tendrich, Debra Democrat Not Voting
Woodson, Marie Paule Democrat Nay
Abbott, Shane G. Republican Yea
Albert, Jon Republican Yea
Alvarez, Daniel Antonio "Danny" Republican Yea
Anderson, Adam Republican Yea
Andrade, Robert Alexander "Alex" Republican Yea
Baker, Jessica Republican Yea
Bankson, Douglas Michael "Doug" Republican Yea
Barnaby, Webster Republican Yea
Basabe, Fabián Republican Yea
Benarroch, Yvette Republican Yea
Berfield, Kimberly Republican Yea
Black, Dean Republican Yea
Blanco, Omar Republican Yea
Booth, Erika Republican Yea
Borrero, David Republican Yea
Botana, Adam Republican Yea
Brackett, Robert A. "Robbie" Republican Yea
Brannan III, Robert Charles "Chuck" Republican Yea
Buchanan, James Republican Yea
Busatta, Demi Republican Yea
Canady, Jennifer Republican Yea
Cassel, Hillary Republican Yea
Chamberlin, Ryan Republican Yea
Chaney, Linda Republican Yea
Cobb, Nan Republican Yea
Conerly, William "Bill" Republican Yea
Duggan, Wyman Republican Yea
Esposito, Tiffany Republican Yea
Fabricio, Tom Republican Yea
Garrison, Sam Republican Yea
Gentry, Richard Republican Yea
Gerwig, Anne Republican Yea
Giallombardo, Mike Republican Yea
Gonzalez Pittman, Karen Republican Yea
Gossett-Seidman, Peggy Republican Yea
Greco, Sam Republican Yea
Griffitts Jr., Philip Wayne "Griff" Republican Yea
Grow, J.J. Republican Yea
Holcomb, Jeff Republican Not Voting
Jacques, Berny Republican Yea
Johnson, Chad Republican Yea
Kendall, Kim Republican Yea
Kincart Jonsson, Jennifer Republican Yea
Koster, Traci Republican Yea
LaMarca, Chip Republican Yea
Maggard, Randall Scott "Randy" Republican Yea
Maney, Patt Republican Yea
Mayfield, Debbie Republican Yea
McClure, Lawrence Republican Yea
McFarland, Fiona Republican Yea
Melo, Lauren Republican Yea
Michael, Kiyan Republican Yea
Miller, Monique Republican Yea
Mooney Jr., James Vernon "Jim" Republican Yea
Nix Jr., Danny Republican Yea
Oliver, Vanessa Republican Yea
Overdorf, Tobin Rogers "Toby" Republican Yea
Owen, Michael Republican Yea
Partington, Bill Republican Yea
Perez, Daniel Republican Yea
Persons-Mulicka, Jenna Republican Yea
Plakon, Rachel Saunders Republican Yea
Plasencia, Susan Republican Not Voting
Porras, Juan Carlos Republican Yea
Redondo, Mike Republican Yea
Rizo, Alex Republican Yea
Robinson Jr., William Cloud "Will" Republican Yea
Salzman, Michelle Republican Yea
Sapp, Judson Republican Yea
Shoaf, Jason Republican Yea
Sirois, Tyler I. Republican Yea
Snyder, John Republican Yea
Stark, Paula A. Republican Yea
Steele, Kevin M. Republican Yea
Trabulsy, Dana Republican Yea
Tramont, Chase Republican Yea
Tuck, Kaylee Republican Yea
Valdés, Susan L. Republican Yea
Weinberger, Meg Republican Yea
Yarkosky, Taylor Michael Republican Yea
Yeager, Bradford Troy "Brad" Republican Not Voting

Official roll call →

Subjects

labor
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does HB 1219 do?
Employment Agreements; Provides that certain covered garden leave agreements are not restraint of trade or attempt to monopolize trade or commerce; requires court to enter preliminary injunction to stop covered employees, businesses, entities, or individuals if breach of covered garden leave agreement is alleged; provides that certain covered noncompete agreements are not restraint of trade or attempt to monopolize trade or commerce; requires court to enter preliminary injunction to stop covered employees, businesses, entities, or individuals if breach of covered noncompete agreement is alleged.
Who sponsors HB 1219?
HB 1219 is sponsored by Koster, Traci (Republican), Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, and Commerce Committee.
What is the current status of HB 1219?
This bill died with 2025 Regular Session. It reached “To Executive” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 1219?
Track HB 1219 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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