Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Lamar P. Fisher
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance, for the Board’s subsequent consideration, to increase the number of days for which employers in Broward County must continue to compensate their full-time employees while such employees are performing jury service. (Commissioner Fisher)
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Why Action is Necessary
Board direction is required for the Office of the County Attorney to draft a proposed Ordinance amending the Broward County Code of Ordinances.
What Action Accomplishes
Provides the required direction to the Office of the County Attorney.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Currently, Florida law generally provides jurors a minimal amount of compensation for jury service (generally $15 or $30 per day, depending upon length of service). Florida law does not require that employers pay employees their regular salary while on jury service. However, many potential jurors cannot afford to serve on a jury if it means forgoing their regular wages; therefore, Broward County requires that employers pay regularly employed, full-time employees their regular salary for up to five days of jury service.
Civil and criminal jury trials occasionally last longer than five days. This agenda item would direct the Office of the County Attorney to prepare an Ordinance for Board consideration to increase the number of days that local employers are required to pay full-time employees their regular salary for jury service. This item would also direct County staff to analyze the likely fiscal impact for Broward County and for local employers.
Source of Additional Information
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance.