Florida
Florida Whistleblower Laws: Protections and How to Report
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 20, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 20, 2026. · 11 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Florida protects workers who report misconduct through two main statutes: the public sector Whistle-blower's Act under Fla. Stat. 112.3187 and the Private Sector Whistleblower Act under Fla. Stat. 448.102. Both laws prohibit employer retaliation and allow workers to seek remedies including reinstatement and back pay.
Understanding Florida Whistleblower Laws
Florida follows the employment-at-will doctrine, meaning employers can generally terminate employees for any reason. However, state and federal whistleblower laws create important exceptions to this rule. Florida employees who report illegal activity, fraud, or threats to public safety have legal protections against employer retaliation.
Florida's whistleblower protections apply to both public and private sector employees, though the rules differ for each group. The state also recognizes several federal whistleblower laws that provide additional safeguards.
This is a summary of Florida whistleblower laws. Make sure to also review Federal Whistleblower Laws for additional protections.
Public Sector Whistleblower Protections
The Florida Whistle-blower's Act, codified at Fla. Stat. 112.3187, protects employees of state agencies and independent contractors who work with the government. The legislature designed this law to prevent agencies from retaliating against employees who expose violations that endanger public health, safety, or welfare.
Who Is Protected
The public sector statute covers:
- Employees of any state, county, or municipal agency
- Employees of independent contractors working with government agencies
- Applicants for employment with state agencies
- Any person who discloses information about government misconduct
Protected Activities
Employers cannot take adverse action against a public employee for:
- Disclosing violations of federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation that create a substantial and specific danger to public health, safety, or welfare
- Reporting acts of gross mismanagement, malfeasance, misfeasance, or gross waste of public funds
- Reporting suspected or actual Medicaid fraud or abuse
- Reporting gross neglect of duty by a public officer or employee
- Participating in an investigation, hearing, or inquiry related to any of these violations
- Refusing to participate in any activity prohibited by the statute
- Filing a complaint through the whistleblower hotline or the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit hotline
- Submitting a written complaint to a supervisor, the Chief Inspector General, or an agency inspector general
To qualify for protection, public employees must disclose information to an agency or federal entity that has the authority to investigate, manage, or remedy the violation. This includes the Office of the Chief Inspector General, agency inspectors general, and the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
How Public Employees File a Complaint
Public sector employees who experience retaliation must follow specific steps, and the route and the deadline depend on who employs the worker.
State agency employees. Under Fla. Stat. 112.31895, the complaint must be filed with the Office of the Chief Inspector General in the Executive Office of the Governor or with the Florida Commission on Human Relations no later than 60 days after the prohibited personnel action. The receiving office must acknowledge receipt within 5 working days and provide copies to the named parties. After the Commission notifies the complainant that the investigation has been terminated, the employee may either pursue the administrative remedy under s. 112.31895 or bring a civil action within 180 days after receiving that notice.
Local public employees. Under Fla. Stat. 112.3187(8)(b), a local public employee may file a complaint with the local governmental authority within 60 days of the prohibited action only if that authority has established an administrative procedure for such complaints by ordinance or has contracted with the Division of Administrative Hearings. After a final decision by the local authority, the employee has 180 days to bring a civil action. If the local authority has no ordinance or contract procedure, the employee may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction within 180 days after the prohibited action.
Other protected persons. Under Fla. Stat. 112.3187(8)(c), any other person protected by the statute may, after exhausting available contractual or administrative remedies, bring a civil action within 180 days after the prohibited action.
Private Sector Whistleblower Protections
The Florida Private Sector Whistleblower Act, codified at Fla. Stat. 448.102, protects employees at private businesses with ten or more employees.
What Counts as a Violation
The act reaches reports of any violation of a "law, rule, or regulation," which Fla. Stat. 448.101(4) defines as any statute or ordinance, or any rule or regulation adopted under a federal, state, or local statute or ordinance, that applies to the employer and pertains to the business. That definition has been in place since the act was enacted in 1991 and has not been amended since.
Protected Activities for Private Employees
Private sector employers cannot retaliate against an employee who:
- Disclosed, or threatened to disclose, to an appropriate governmental agency, under oath and in writing, an activity, policy, or practice of the employer that violates a law, rule, or regulation
- Provided information to, or testified before, a governmental agency, person, or entity conducting an investigation, hearing, or inquiry into an alleged violation by the employer
- Objected to or refused to participate in any activity, policy, or practice that violates a law, rule, or regulation
Written Notice Requirement
Private sector employees must follow an important procedural step before gaining protection. The employee must first bring the activity, policy, or practice to the attention of a supervisor or the employer in writing and allow the employer a reasonable opportunity to correct the problem. Failure to provide this written notice can weaken or defeat a whistleblower claim. The disclosure to the government agency itself must also be made under oath and in writing under the terms of Fla. Stat. 448.102(1). A missing notice can sink the claim, so have a Florida employment lawyer review your written notice in a free case evaluation before you report to the agency (attorney advertising).
The only exceptions to the written notice requirement are when the employee provides information to, or testifies in, a government investigation, or when the employee objects to or refuses to participate in the illegal activity.
Statute of Limitations for Private Sector Claims
Private sector employees who experience retaliation can file a civil lawsuit within the earlier of:
- 2 years from discovering the retaliatory action, or
- 4 years from the date the retaliation occurred
Fla. Stat. 448.103 governs the timing and procedural requirements for these claims.
Additional Statutory Protections
Workers' Compensation Retaliation
Florida law prohibits employers from discharging or discriminating against an employee for filing or attempting to file a workers' compensation claim. An employee who suffers retaliation for exercising workers' compensation rights can file a lawsuit within 4 years of the retaliatory action. Fla. Stat. 440.205.
Minimum Wage Retaliation
Employers cannot discharge or discriminate against an employee for:
- Filing a complaint about a minimum wage violation
- Reporting an employer's noncompliance with minimum wage law to any person
- Helping another person assert minimum wage rights
Employees must give their employer 15 days to resolve any minimum wage claim before filing suit. Employers who violate this provision face a fine of $1,000 per violation in addition to other remedies. Fla. Stat. 448.109.
Florida False Claims Act
The Florida False Claims Act, codified at Fla. Stat. 68.081-68.092, provides a separate whistleblower mechanism for reporting fraud against the state government. This law allows private citizens to file qui tam lawsuits on behalf of the state when they have evidence of false or fraudulent claims submitted to state agencies.
Qui Tam Whistleblower Rewards
Whistleblowers who file successful qui tam actions can receive a percentage of the recovered funds:
- 15% to 25% of the recovery when the state government intervenes and takes over the case
- 25% to 30% of the recovery when the whistleblower proceeds without government intervention
The exact percentage depends on the significance of the information the whistleblower provided and the whistleblower's role in advancing the case.
Filing a Qui Tam Action
Qui tam complaints must be:
- Identified as qui tam actions on their face
- Filed in the circuit court of the Second Judicial Circuit (Leon County)
- Accompanied by a written disclosure of substantially all material evidence
- Served on the Attorney General and the Chief Financial Officer by registered mail
The Department of Legal Affairs or the Department of Financial Services has 60 days after receiving the complaint and evidence to decide whether to intervene.
Remedies for Whistleblower Retaliation
Florida courts can award several forms of relief to employees who prove retaliation:
| Remedy | Public Sector | Private Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Reinstatement to former position | Yes | Yes |
| Temporary reinstatement pending final decision | Yes | No |
| Reinstatement of fringe benefits and seniority | Yes | Yes |
| Compensation for lost wages and benefits | Yes | Yes |
| Other compensatory damages | Yes | Yes |
| Attorney fees and court costs | Yes | Yes |
| Injunctive relief | Yes | Yes |
For public sector claims, the court can order temporary reinstatement while the case is pending, provided the employee's disclosure was not made in bad faith or for a wrongful purpose.
For private sector claims, Fla. Stat. 448.103 authorizes reinstatement, back pay, lost benefits, compensatory damages, and reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Federal Whistleblower Protections in Florida
Florida employees also benefit from several federal whistleblower laws that apply regardless of state law:
False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3729-3733)
The federal False Claims Act allows individuals to file qui tam lawsuits against companies or people who defraud the federal government. Whistleblowers can receive 15% to 30% of the recovery. The anti-retaliation provision at 31 U.S.C. 3730(h) prohibits employers from discharging, demoting, suspending, threatening, or harassing employees who report fraud.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act protects employees of publicly traded companies who report securities fraud, shareholder fraud, or violations of SEC rules. The civil protection runs through 18 U.S.C. 1514A: an employee files a complaint with OSHA within 180 days of the retaliation and can recover reinstatement and back pay. Separately, knowingly retaliating against a whistleblower for providing truthful information to a law enforcement officer is also a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison under 18 U.S.C. 1513(e).
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
Employees who report workplace safety violations to OSHA are protected from retaliation under 29 U.S.C. 660(c). Complaints must be filed with OSHA within 30 days of the retaliatory action.
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act
The Dodd-Frank Act protects employees who report violations of securities laws to the SEC. Successful whistleblowers may receive 10% to 30% of sanctions collected over $1 million through the SEC Whistleblower Program.
Whistleblower Hotlines in Florida
Florida provides several channels for reporting government fraud and misconduct:
- Governor's Chief Inspector General Whistleblower Hotline: (800) 543-5353. Available for reporting fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. Complaints can also be submitted online at floridaoig.com.
- Florida Commission on Human Relations: (850) 488-7082. Handles whistleblower retaliation complaints from public sector employees.
- Medicaid Fraud Control Unit: Part of the Office of the Attorney General. Handles reports of Medicaid fraud and abuse.
Employer Defenses
Florida law recognizes an affirmative defense for employers in whistleblower cases. An employer can avoid liability by proving that the adverse action was based on legitimate grounds unrelated to the whistleblowing and would have been taken regardless of the employee's protected activity. Fla. Stat. 112.3187.
This means that an employer who had documented performance issues with an employee before any whistleblowing activity may have a valid defense against a retaliation claim.
Click for an overview of Federal Whistleblower Laws.
More Florida Laws
- Florida At-Will Employment Laws
- Florida Employee Monitoring Laws
- Florida Final Paycheck Laws
- Florida Workers Compensation Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida's whistleblower law protect private sector employees?
Yes. The Florida Private Sector Whistleblower Act (Fla. Stat. 448.102) protects employees at businesses with ten or more employees from retaliation for reporting violations of federal, state, or local laws that apply to the employer and pertain to the business. A disclosure to a government agency is protected only if the employee first gave the employer written notice and a reasonable chance to correct the problem, and then made the disclosure under oath and in writing.
What is the statute of limitations for a whistleblower retaliation claim in Florida?
It depends on the employer. A state agency employee must file with the Chief Inspector General or the Florida Commission on Human Relations within 60 days of the prohibited action. A local public employee has 60 days to use a local complaint procedure if the local authority created one by ordinance or contract, and otherwise has 180 days to file a civil action. Other protected persons have 180 days to sue after exhausting available remedies. For private sector employees, a lawsuit must be filed within 2 years of discovering the retaliation or within 4 years of the retaliatory act, whichever comes first.
Do private sector employees need to notify their employer before filing a whistleblower complaint?
Yes. Under Fla. Stat. 448.102, private sector employees must first bring the violation to the attention of a supervisor or employer in writing and allow a reasonable opportunity to correct the issue. This requirement does not apply when the employee is testifying in a government investigation or refusing to participate in illegal activity.
Can Florida whistleblowers receive financial rewards for reporting fraud?
Yes. Under the Florida False Claims Act (Fla. Stat. 68.081-68.092), whistleblowers who file successful qui tam lawsuits can receive 15% to 30% of the funds recovered by the state. Federal qui tam provisions under the False Claims Act and the SEC Whistleblower Program also offer financial rewards.
What remedies are available to Florida whistleblowers who face retaliation?
Courts can award reinstatement to the former position, back pay, lost benefits, compensatory damages, attorney fees, and court costs. Public sector employees may also receive temporary reinstatement while their case is pending. Minimum wage whistleblowers can seek a $1,000 fine per violation against the employer.
Updates
Removed an incorrect reference to 2025 amendments to the private sector whistleblower law, added the statute’s requirement that a disclosure to a government agency be made under oath and in writing, separated the filing deadlines for state agency, local government, and other protected employees, and corrected the Florida False Claims Act section range to 68.081-68.092.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Fixed the SOX whistleblower-retaliation description, which had conflated the civil OSHA-complaint protection (18 U.S.C. 1514A, 180-day deadline) with a criminal 10-year prison exposure that actually comes from a different statute, 18 U.S.C. 1513(e).
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Florida Statutes
§ 112.3187Adverse action against employee for disclosing information of specified nature prohibited; employee remedy and relief.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
(1) SHORT TITLE.—Sections 112.3187-112.31895 may be cited as the “Whistle-blower’s Act.” (2) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.—It is the intent of the Legislature to prevent agencies or independent contractors from taking retaliatory action against an employee who reports to an appropriate agency violations of law on the part of a public employer or independent contractor that create a substantial and specific danger to the public’s health, safety, or welfare. It is further the intent of the Legislature to prevent agencies or independent contractors from taking retaliatory action against any person who discloses information to an appropriate agency alleging improper use of governmental office, gross waste of funds, or any other abuse or gross neglect of duty on the part of an agency, public officer, or employee.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-09 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at leg.state.fl.us
Cited in 94 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Arrow Air, Inc. v. Walsh (Supreme Court of Florida 1994, 19 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 592)“…court that he was discharged in Florida. [6] Codified at section 112.3187, Florida Statutes (1993). [7] The relevant provisions,…”
- Rice-Lamar v. City of Fort Lauderdale (District Court of Appeal of Florida 2003, 853 So. 2d 1125)“…auderdale (City) pursuant to the Florida Whistleblower Act, section 112.3187, Florida Statutes (Supp.1996). Lamar alleged that she was…”
- Hastings v. Demming (District Court of Appeal of Florida 1996, 682 So. 2d 1107)“…of a statutory defense to a cause of action brought under section 112.3187, Florida Statutes (1989), Florida's "Whistle-blower's Act…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Florida Whistleblower Ruling: Gessner Raises the Bar (2026), Florida Workplace Recording Laws: Employee and Employer Rules (2026)
§ 448.102Prohibitions.In forcecited in 6 of our articles
An employer may not take any retaliatory personnel action against an employee because the employee has:(1) Disclosed, or threatened to disclose, to any appropriate governmental agency, under oath, in writing, an activity, policy, or practice of the employer that is in violation of a law, rule, or regulation. However, this subsection does not apply unless the employee has, in writing, brought the activity, policy, or practice to the attention of a supervisor or the employer and has afforded the employer a reasonable opportunity to correct the activity, policy, or practice. (2) Provided information to, or testified before, any appropriate governmental agency, person, or entity conducting an investigation, hearing, or inquiry into an alleged violation of a law, rule, or regulation by the employer. (3) Objected to, or refused to participate in, any activity, policy, or practice of the employer which is in violation of a law, rule, or regulation.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at leg.state.fl.us
Cited in 112 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Walsh v. Arrow Air, Inc. (District Court of Appeal of Florida 1993, 629 So. 2d 144)“…(Fla. 1980). The majority now erroneously concludes that section 448.102, Florida Statutes (1991), which was enacted after the o…”
- Arrow Air, Inc. v. Walsh (Supreme Court of Florida 1994, 19 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 592)“…employee in the terms and conditions of employment." [3] Section 448.102, Florida Statutes (1993), provides: Prohibitions. An…”
- Diaz v. Impex of Doral, Inc. (District Court of Appeal of Florida 2009, 7 So. 3d 591)“…gistics) for the violation of Florida’s Whistle Blower Act, section 448.102, Florida Statutes, et seq. (2002). Impex and Impex Logist…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Florida At-Will Employment Laws: Exceptions and Your Rights, Florida Final Paycheck Laws: No Deadline, Federal Rule Applies, Wrongful Termination in Florida (2026): Laws, Deadlines, How to File
§ 448.103Employee’s remedy; relief.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
(1)(a) An employee who has been the object of a retaliatory personnel action in violation of this act may institute a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction for relief as set forth in subsection (2) within 2 years after discovering that the alleged retaliatory personnel action was taken, or within 4 years after the personnel action was taken, whichever is earlier. (b) Any civil action authorized under this section may be brought in the county in which the alleged retaliatory personnel action occurred, in which the complainant resides, or in which the employer has its principal place of business. (c) An employee may not recover in any action brought pursuant to this subsection if he or she failed to notify the employer about the illegal activity, policy, or practice as required by s. 448.102(1) or if the retaliatory personnel action was predicated upon a ground other than the employee’s exercise of a right protected by this act. (2) In any action brought pursuant to subsection (1), the court may order relief as follows:(a) An injunction restraining continued violation of this act.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at leg.state.fl.us
Cited in 23 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Arrow Air, Inc. v. Walsh (Supreme Court of Florida 1994, 19 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 592)“…which is in violation of a law, rule, or regulation. [4] Section 448.103, Florida Statutes (1993), provides: Employee's remedy;…”
- HCA HEALTH SERVICES OF FLORIDA v. Hillman (District Court of Appeal of Florida 2004, 906 So. 2d 1094)“…who filed a whistleblower action against Blake pursuant to section 448.103, Florida Statutes (2001). [1] In the consolidated case,…”
- O'Neal v. Fla. a & M University Ex Rel. Bd. of Trustees (District Court of Appeal of Florida 2008, 989 So. 2d 6)“…considered the question of the right to a jury trial under section 448.103, Florida Statutes, which creates a cause of action for re…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 68.081Florida False Claims Act; short title.In force
Sections 68.081-68.092 may be cited as the “Florida False Claims Act.”
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at leg.state.fl.us
Cited in 19 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- United States v. Gold Star Medical Services (Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit 1999)“…f Florida for a violation of the Florida False Claims Act, Fla. Stat. §§ 68.081 to 68.092, and state law claims for unj…”
- Angela Ruckh v. Salus Rehabilitation, LLC (Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit 2020, 963 F.3d 1089)“…729 et seq. (the “FCA”), and the Florida False Claims Act, Fla. Stat. §§ 68.081 et seq. (the “Florida FCA”), against t…”
- United States Ex Rel. Foster v. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (District Court, E.D. Texas 2008, 587 F. Supp. 2d 805)“…50 et seq.; the Florida False Claims Act, Fla. Stat. §§ 68.081 et seq.; and the Mass…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 440.205Coercion of employees.In forcecited in 4 of our articles
No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any employee by reason of such employee’s valid claim for compensation or attempt to claim compensation under the Workers’ Compensation Law.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at leg.state.fl.us
Cited in 105 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Piezo Technology v. Smith (District Court of Appeal of Florida 1982, 413 So. 2d 121)“…he deputy had "jurisdiction to hear this cause pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 440.205 , § 440.25, and § 440.45," and (3) that…”
- Chase v. Walgreen Co. (District Court of Appeal of Florida 1999, 750 So. 2d 93)“…nal order of dismissal of her claim for damages pursuant to section 440.205, Florida Statutes (1993). We reverse. On October 2, 199…”
- Otis Elevator Co. v. Scott (District Court of Appeal of Florida 1989, 551 So. 2d 489)“…e: Are actions for wrongful discharge brought pursuant to section 440.205, Florida Statutes (1979), governed by Broward Builders E…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Florida Workers' Compensation Laws: Benefits, Deadlines, and Your Rights
§ 448.109Notification of the state minimum wage.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
(1) As used in this section, the terms:(a) “Employer,” “employee,” and “wage” have the meanings as established under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and its implementing regulations. (b) “Florida minimum wage” means the wage that an employer must, at a minimum, pay an employee pursuant to s. 24, Art. X of the State Constitution and implementing law. (2) Each employer who must pay an employee the Florida minimum wage shall prominently display a poster substantially similar to the one made available pursuant to subsection (3) in a conspicuous and accessible place in each establishment where such employees are employed. (3)(a) Each year the Department of Commerce shall, on or before December 1, create and make available to employers a poster in English and in Spanish which reads substantially as follows:NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES The Florida minimum wage is $ (amount) per hour, with a minimum wage of at least $ (amount) per hour for tipped employees, in addition to tips, for January 1, (year) , through December 31, (year) . The rate of the minimum wage is recalculated yearly on September 30, based on the Consumer Price Index.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at leg.state.fl.us
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Salces (District Court, S.D. Florida 2026)“…The FMWA utilizes the same definition for employer. See Fla. Stat. § 448.109. To determine whether an individual i…”
- Pastrana v. Level Up Fitness LLC (District Court, S.D. Florida 2021)“…tatutes, adopts the definition of the FLSA for “employer.” Fla. Stat. § 448.109(1)(a). By vir…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Florida Minimum Wage 2026: $15.00 an Hour From September 30
§ 112.31895Investigative procedures in response to prohibited personnel actions.In force
(1) COMPLAINT.—(a) If a disclosure under s. 112.3187 includes or results in alleged retaliation by an employer, the employee or former employee of, or applicant for employment with, a state agency, as defined in s. 216.011, that is so affected may file a complaint alleging a prohibited personnel action, which complaint must be made by filing a written complaint with the Office of the Chief Inspector General in the Executive Office of the Governor or the Florida Commission on Human Relations, no later than 60 days after the prohibited personnel action. (b) Within 5 working days after receiving a complaint under this section, the office or officer receiving the complaint shall acknowledge receipt of the complaint and provide copies of the complaint and any other preliminary information available concerning the disclosure of information under s. 112.3187 to each of the other parties named in paragraph (a), which parties shall each acknowledge receipt of such copies to the complainant. (2) FACT FINDING.—The Florida Commission on Human Relations shall:(a) Receive any allegation of a personnel action prohibited by s.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at leg.state.fl.us
Cited in 3 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2013
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State, Dot v. Fla. Com'n on Human Relations (District Court of Appeal of Florida 2003, 842 So. 2d 253)“…aints and request temporary reinstatement when appropriate. Section 112.31895, Florida Statutes. On June 28, 2002, FCHR reviewed Ms.…”
- Caldwell v. Florida Department of Elder Affairs (District Court of Appeal of Florida 2013, 121 So. 3d 1062)“…ty to investigate whistle-blower complaints is set forth in section 112.31895, Florida Statutes. This section provides that the Commiss…”
- Stanton v. Florida Department of Health (District Court of Appeal of Florida 2013, 129 So. 3d 1083)“…ollowing the fact-finding and notice procedures mandated in section 112.31895, Florida Statutes (2011); (2) his complaint alleged viola…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 448.101Definitions.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
As used in ss. 448.101-448.105, the term:(1) “Appropriate governmental agency” means any agency of government charged with the enforcement of laws, rules, or regulations governing an activity, policy, or practice of an employer. (2) “Employee” means a person who performs services for and under the control and direction of an employer for wages or other remuneration. The term does not include an independent contractor. (3) “Employer” means any private individual, firm, partnership, institution, corporation, or association that employs ten or more persons. (4) “Law, rule, or regulation” includes any statute or ordinance or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to any federal, state, or local statute or ordinance applicable to the employer and pertaining to the business. (5) “Retaliatory personnel action” means the discharge, suspension, or demotion by an employer of an employee or any other adverse employment action taken by an employer against an employee in the terms and conditions of employment.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at leg.state.fl.us
Cited in 62 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Nova Southeastern University, Inc. v. Jacobson (District Court of Appeal of Florida 2009, 25 So. 3d 82)“…iatory and thus violative of the Florida Whistleblower Act, section 448.101, Florida Statutes. She alleged that Nova had commenced a…”
- Schroeder v. Crowley Maritime Corp. (District Court, S.D. Florida 1993, 825 F. Supp. 1007)“…Introduction This is an action brought pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 448.101 et seq., -which prohibits…”
- Marc Wiersum v. U.S. Bank, N.A. (Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit 2015, 785 F.3d 483)“…retaliation claim under the Florida Whistle-blower’s Act, Fla. Stat. § 448.101 -.105. If the majority is right, those…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
United States Code Title 31
§ 3730Civil actions for false claimsIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
The Attorney General diligently shall investigate a violation under section 3729. If the Attorney General finds that a person has violated or is violating section 3729, the Attorney General may bring a civil action under this section against the person. A person may bring a civil action for a violation of section 3729 for the person and for the United States Government. The action shall be brought in the name of the Government. The action may be dismissed only if the court and the Attorney General give written consent to the dismissal and their reasons for consenting. A copy of the complaint and written disclosure of substantially all material evidence and information the person possesses shall be served on the Government pursuant to Rule 4(d)(4) 1 So in original. Probably should be a reference to Rule 4(i). of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The complaint shall be filed in camera, shall remain under seal for at least 60 days, and shall not be served on the defendant until the court so orders. The Government may elect to intervene and proceed with the action within 60 days after it receives both the complaint and the material evidence and information.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at uscode.house.gov
Cited in 3,695 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- United States v. Halper (Supreme Court of the United States 1989, 490 U.S. 435)“…ceeding. [5] Under the qui tam provisions of the Act, 31 U. S. C. § 3730 (b), a private party may bring suit in…”
- Timson v. Sampson (Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit 2008, 518 F.3d 870)“…ividuals “shall be brought in the name of the Government.” 31 U.S.C. § 3730(b)(1). Regarding the rights of the par…”
- City of New York v. Mickalis Pawn Shop, LLC (Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit 2011, 645 F.3d 114)“…2d 190 (2007) (determining that False Claims Act, former 31 U.S.C. § 3730 (e)(4)(A), was jurisdictional insofar a…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Federal Whistleblower Laws: Protections and How to Report, United States Whistleblower Laws: Protections and How to Report, Alabama Whistleblower Laws: Protections and How to Report
United States Code Title 18
§ 1514ACivil action to protect against retaliation in fraud casesIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
No company with a class of securities registered under section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78 l), or that is required to file reports under section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78 o (d)) including any subsidiary or affiliate whose financial information is included in the consolidated financial statements of such company, or nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as defined in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c),1 So in original. Another closing parenthesis probably should precede the comma.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at uscode.house.gov
Cited in 500 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Mauricio A. Leon, M.D. v. Idx Systems Corporation, a Vermont Corporation, Mauricio A. Leon, M.D. v. Idx Systems Corporation, a Vermont Corporation (Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2006, 464 F.3d 951)“…ness fees, and reasonable attorneys’ fees. See 18 U.S.C. § 1514A. Injunctive and other broad remedial rel…”
- Grissom v. the Mills Corp. (Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit 2008, 549 F.3d 313)“…ctivity protected by the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), 18 U.S.C. § 1514A. GRISSOM v. THE MI…”
- Van Asdale v. International Game Technology (Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2009, 577 F.3d 989)“…stleblower-protection provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1514A. Plaintiffs Shawn and Lena Van Asdale ap…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 1513Retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informantIn force
Whoever kills or attempts to kill another person with intent to retaliate against any person for— the attendance of a witness or party at an official proceeding, or any testimony given or any record, document, or other object produced by a witness in an official proceeding; or providing to a law enforcement officer any information relating to the commission or possible commission of a Federal offense or a violation of conditions of probation, supervised release, parole, or release pending judicial proceedings, shall be punished as provided in paragraph (2). The punishment for an offense under this subsection is— in the case of a killing, the punishment provided in sections 1111 and 1112; and in the case of an attempt, imprisonment for not more than 30 years.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at uscode.house.gov
Cited in 564 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Digital Realty Trust, Inc. v. Somers (Supreme Court of the United States 2018, 583 U.S. 149)“…Act of 1934, the criminal anti-retaliation proscription at 18 U. S. C. §1513(e), or any other law subject to the SEC…”
- United States v. Anthony Gadson (Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2014, 763 F.3d 1189)“…conspiracy to retaliate against a witness, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1513 (e) (Count 5). The government also char…”
- United States v. Alfonso Velasquez, Ramon Dominguez, Esmerido Galvan Olamendi, Ramon Gomez, and Armando Gomez (Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit 1985, 772 F.2d 1348)“…t the appellate level, is whether the retaliation statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1513 , a part of the Victim and Witness Prot…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
United States Code Title 29
§ 660Judicial reviewIn forcecited in 6 of our articles
Any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order of the Commission issued under subsection (c) of section 659 of this title may obtain a review of such order in any United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the violation is alleged to have occurred or where the employer has its principal office, or in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, by filing in such court within sixty days following the issuance of such order a written petition praying that the order be modified or set aside. A copy of such petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Commission and to the other parties, and thereupon the Commission shall file in the court the record in the proceeding as provided in section 2112 of title 28.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at uscode.house.gov
Cited in 1,040 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- National Realty and Construction Company, Inc. v. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, Secretary of Labor, Party (Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit 1973, 489 F.2d 1257)“…85, Sept. 6, 1972. Review by this court is available under 29 U. S.C. § 660(a) (1970). 2 . Occ…”
- Michael P. Gaffney, Thomas Bell, Edward Anderson v. Riverboat Services of Indiana, Incorporated, Riverboat Services, Incorporated, Robert Heitmeier v. Showboat Marina Casino Partnership, Showboat, Incorporated, Showboat Indiana, Incorporated (Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit 2006, 451 F.3d 424)“…was modeled after OSHA's retaliatory discharge provision, 29 U.S.C. § 660 (c). See S.Rep.No. 98-454, at 12 (198…”
- Director, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs v. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. (Supreme Court of the United States 1995, 514 U.S. 122)“…402 (b)(6); Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U. S. C. § 660 (a); Federal Mine Safety and Health Act…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Mexico Workplace Recording Laws: Employee and Employer Rights (2026), North Dakota Workplace Recording Laws: Employee and Employer Rights (2026), Wisconsin Workplace Recording Laws: Employee and Employer Rights (2026)
Sources and References
- Florida Statutes Section 112.3187 - Whistle-blower's Act (Public Sector)(leg.state.fl.us).gov
- Florida Statutes Section 448.102 - Private Sector Whistleblower Protections(leg.state.fl.us).gov
- Florida Statutes Section 448.103 - Remedies for Private Sector Whistleblower Retaliation(flsenate.gov).gov
- Florida False Claims Act - Fla. Stat. 68.081(flsenate.gov).gov
- Florida Commission on Human Relations - Whistle-blower Retaliation Complaints(fchr.myflorida.com).gov
- Florida Office of the Chief Inspector General - Report Fraud(floridaoig.com).gov
- Florida Statutes Section 440.205 - Workers' Compensation Retaliation(leg.state.fl.us).gov
- Florida Statutes Section 448.109 - Minimum Wage Retaliation(leg.state.fl.us).gov
- OSHA Whistleblower Protection Program(osha.gov).gov
- SEC Whistleblower Program(sec.gov).gov
- Federal False Claims Act - 31 U.S.C. 3730(govinfo.gov).gov
- Florida Statutes Section 112.31895 - Whistle-blower Retaliation Complaint Procedure (State Agency Employees)(flsenate.gov)
- Florida Statutes Section 448.101 - Private Sector Whistleblower Act Definitions(flsenate.gov)
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