A bill co-sponsored by Orlando lawmakers aims to protect the 1.8 million outdoor workers in Florida from the increasing heat during summers. Last year, the state Legislature removed the power of local governments to implement heat safety rules for workers, prompting the need for statewide regulations.

House Bill 35, co-sponsored by State Reps. Anna Eskamani and Rita Harris, would require employers with outdoor workers to have a state-approved heat exposure safety program. This program would include training, breaks, access to shade and water, and communication about heat conditions, benefiting both workers and employers.

The bill is seen as necessary due to rising temperatures in Florida and the prevalence of outdoor work in the state’s largest economies. The legislation aims to provide a uniform statewide approach to heat safety for workers, particularly benefiting Hispanic and noncitizen workers who make up a significant portion of outdoor employees in industries like transportation, construction, and agriculture.