Can I take FMLA leave for a family member's injury, illness, or disability?
Yes, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows you to take leave from work to provide care for a qualifying family member with an injury, illness, or disability. In order to qualify for FMLA leave in the state of Florida, the family member must be a spouse, child, or parent of an employee. This means that aunts, uncles, cousins, and other non-direct family members do not qualify for the leave. Under the FMLA, you are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year, as long as your employer has at least 50 employees. During the leave, your employer must continue to provide you with health insurance benefits, and when you return to work, your employer must restore you to the same or a similar position. In addition to providing care for a qualifying family member, certain other reasons for taking FMLA leave may also qualify you for the protection of the Act. These include personal medical conditions that necessitate leave, the birth and adoption of a child, and military-related deployment. Although the FMLA does not provide paid leave for these circumstances, some employers may provide paid leave in accordance with their policies. It is important to note that the FMLA is a federal law and that it is up to the employer to ensure compliance.
Related FAQs
Can I take FMLA leave to care for a family member with a mental health condition?Are employees entitled to job-protected leave for the death of a family member?
Can I receive compensation for wages or benefits lost due to FMLA violations?
How much notice do I have to give my employer before taking FMLA leave?
Can I take FMLA leave for a family member's medical appointment?
Can my employer deny my request for FMLA leave?
Does the FMLA guarantee reinstatement of an employee's job after FMLA leave?
Can I take FMLA leave to care for a family member if the family member is not the employee's parent, spouse, or child?
Does the FMLA cover absences due to severe weather or natural disasters?
Does the FMLA require employers to hold a job for an employee on FMLA leave?
Related Blog Posts
FMLA Law: What You Need to Know About Your Rights - July 31, 2023Navigating the FMLA Leave Process: A Step-By-Step Guide - August 7, 2023
Employee Eligibility Requirements for FMLA Leave - August 14, 2023
Understanding How FMLA Leave Works in Your State - August 21, 2023
Explanation of Eligible Uses for FMLA Leave - August 28, 2023