The Florida Senate

There is created within the Agency for Workforce Innovation an Unemployment Appeals Commission. The commission is composed of a chair and two other members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Only one appointee may be a representative of employers, as demonstrated by his or her previous vocation, employment, or affiliation; and only one appointee may be a representative of employees, as demonstrated by his or her previous vocation, employment, or affiliation.

The members of the commission shall be appointed to staggered terms of 4 years each. A vacancy for the unexpired term of a member shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. The presence of two members constitutes a quorum for any called meeting of the commission.

The commission has all authority, powers, duties, and responsibilities relating to unemployment compensation appeal proceedings under this chapter.

The property, personnel, and appropriations relating to the specified authority, powers, duties, and responsibilities of the commission shall be provided to the commission by the Agency for Workforce Innovation.

The commission is not subject to control, supervision, or direction by the Agency for Workforce Innovation in performing its powers or duties under this chapter.

The commission may make expenditures, including expenditures for personal services and rent, for law books, books of reference, periodicals, furniture, equipment, and supplies, and for printing and binding as necessary in exercising its authority and powers and carrying out its duties and responsibilities. All such expenditures of the commission shall be allowed and paid as provided in s. 443.211 upon the presentation of itemized vouchers approved by the chair.

The commission may charge fees for publications, subscriptions, and copies of records and documents. These fees must be deposited in the Employment Security Administration Trust Fund.

The commission shall maintain and keep open during reasonable business hours an office in Tallahassee for the purpose of transacting its business, at which office the commission shall keep its official records and papers. The offices shall be furnished and equipped by the commission. The commission may hold sessions and conduct hearings at any place within the state.

The commission shall prepare and submit a budget covering the necessary administrative cost of the commission.

The commission shall have a seal for authenticating its orders, awards, and proceedings, upon which shall be inscribed the words “State of Florida-Unemployment Appeals Commission-Seal,” and it shall be judicially noticed.

The commission has authority to adopt rules under ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer the provisions of law conferring duties upon it.

Orders of the commission relating to unemployment compensation under this chapter are subject to review only by notice of appeal to the district courts of appeal in the manner provided in s. 443.151(4)(e).