The Florida Senate

295.14  Penalties.--

(1)  When the Public Employees Relations Commission, after a hearing on notice conducted according to rules adopted by the commission, determines that a violation of s. 295.07, s. 295.08, s. 295.085, or s. 295.09(1)(a) or (b) has occurred and sustains the veteran seeking redress, the commission shall order the offending agency, employee, or officer of the state to comply with the provisions of s. 295.07, s. 295.08, s. 295.085, or s. 295.09(1)(a) or (b); and, in the event of a violation of s. 295.07, s. 295.08, s. 295.085, or s. 295.09(1)(a) or (b), the commission may issue an order to compensate the veteran for the loss of any wages and reasonable attorney's fees for actual hours worked, and costs of all work, including litigation, incurred as a result of such violation, which order shall be conclusive on the agency, employee, or officer concerned. The attorney's fees and costs may not exceed $10,000. The action of the commission shall be in writing and shall be served on the parties concerned by certified mail with return receipt requested.

(2)  When reparation is sought through civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction, any agency, employee, or officer of the state or a political subdivision thereof found in violation of any provision of this act shall, in addition to any other edict issued by the court, be required to pay the costs of suit and reasonable attorney's fees incurred in such action and shall be required to pay as damages such amount as the court may award, any law to the contrary notwithstanding.

(3)  Any employee or officer found liable pursuant to a second or subsequent violation of the provisions of this section shall forfeit his or her position.

History.--s. 6, ch. 77-422; s. 5, ch. 78-372; s. 61, ch. 79-164; s. 5, ch. 80-370; s. 80, ch. 86-163; s. 9, ch. 87-356; s. 253, ch. 95-148; s. 7, ch. 98-33; s. 83, ch. 99-13.