BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward Government employees expecting a child will now get more time to stay at home with the new baby and increased time off if the mother is having medical complications after birth.

Broward Commissioners approved increasing parental leave from 180 hours to 240 hours to care for and bond with their child or minor. Biological birth mothers will also receive an additional two weeks of paid leave off if it is deemed medically necessary for the mother to recover. 

“Many new mothers have complications after giving birth and need proper time to fully recover before they can return to normal activities and care for a new baby. This gives them that time,” said Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief, who holds advanced degrees in nursing and healthcare.

Eligible Broward County employees include a parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, foster parent, or an employee who is the spouse of a registered domestic partner. 

Broward currently provides paid leave for the birth of a biological child, the placement of a child through adoption or foster care, or the appointment as a guardian of a minor child due to a court order.

The new parental leave benefits were sponsored by Broward Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief and co-sponsored by all Broward Commissioners.

February 1, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly Maroe
Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
(954) 357-8053
kmaroe@broward.org