New “rolling” method of calculating FMLA leave effective January 2020

As part of its strategic commitment to modernize UF’s leave program for faculty and staff, UF Human Resources recently evaluated the way Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave is administered at the university. One outcome of these efforts was to align the calculation of the qualifying time period with current standard practice — from a fiscal-year period to a “rolling” 12-month period, measured from the date of the employee’s first use of FMLA leave for a qualifying event. This new method of calculating FMLA-qualifying leave will take effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) enables eligible employees to take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons. The new way of calculating an eligible timeframe will provide employees with greater transparency into the process and establish a more efficient method by which to administer leave. At the University of Florida, eligible employees may use accrued paid leave instead of unpaid leave for any portion of the 12 workweeks.

This announcement fulfills the federal requirement to provide 60-days’ notice of the change to all employees. Also in keeping with federal guidelines, any employee who takes FMLA between now and December 31, 2019, may do so using the 12-month measurement method that provides the greatest benefit to him or her. Please note that employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement that includes FMLA-measurement provisions will continue to follow the negotiated terms.

Employees who are currently on approved FMLA leave during the current fiscal year will continue through the end of the established FMLA period.  No additional action needs to be taken unless additional FMLA leave is requested.

For more information, please see the FMLA section of the UFHR Benefits website or contact UFHR Central Leave at (352) 392-2477 or benefits@ufl.edu.