DeSantis expands maternity, family leave for state government employees

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Florida government employees are receiving expanded family and maternity leave under a new policy approved by the governor and Florida Cabinet.

Previously, employees had to use sick and annual leave, or unpaid leave, after the birth of a child. Now, full-paid maternity leave is expanded to seven weeks and parental leave to two weeks.

Under the new rule, sick leave can be used to “bond with a new child” for up to four months, the governor’s office added.

“When I became Governor, I made it a priority to champion policies that support families and empower parents,” DeSantis said. “As a father of three, I know how instrumental those first weeks are for new parents and their children.”

DeSantis’ wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, said her “most important job” is “being a mother” to their three children Madison, Mason and Mamie.

“In Florida, we believe family is everything, which is why we are proud to provide much needed maternal and family leave to Florida families,” she said.

Also on Monday, the Cabinet approved new rules allowing paid family leave insurance to be offered in Florida.

In the announcement, the governor’s office said early bonding with newborns is important and “can greatly impact their social and cognitive development.”

“DMS is proud to support Florida’s state employees, and this new rule would allow growing families committed to public service the ability to invest in their family during the first months of their baby’s life,” said Department of Management Services Secretary Pedro Allende.