"Florida Senate Passes Bill Limiting Heat Protections for Workers"

The Florida legislature passed a bill preventing local governments from enacting protections for outdoor workers from extreme heat, drawing criticism for endangering the state's 2 million outdoor workers, particularly in Miami-Dade county. Efforts to establish federal standards have been slow, leaving workers vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Critics argue that the legislation, which takes effect on July 1, is cruel and prioritizes industry interests over worker safety, while proponents stress the urgent need for heat protection standards as extreme heat becomes more frequent and severe.