California Leave Laws for Employers
Complete guide to California employee leave requirements, including sick leave, family leave, and FMLA compliance.
🤒California Paid Sick Leave Requirements
Accrual Rate
1 hour per 30 hours worked (or front-load 40 hours)
Maximum Accrual
80 hours (increased from 48 hours in 2024)
Employer Threshold
1+ employees
Waiting Period
90 days
Carryover
Yes, but usage can be limited to 40 hours/year
Effective Date
January 1, 2024 (enhanced)
SB 616 expanded California paid sick leave from 3 days to 5 days (40 hours) minimum.
👨👩👧California Paid Family and Medical Leave
Maximum Duration
8 weeks
Wage Replacement
60-70% of wages (up to cap)
Employer Threshold
1+ employees
Effective Date
2004 (expanded 2020)
One of the oldest and most comprehensive state PFL programs. Funded through employee payroll deductions.
📋Other California Leave Requirements
Jury Duty Leave
Employers must provide leave. Cannot require use of vacation/sick time.
Voting Leave
Up to 2 hours paid leave at beginning or end of shift.
Bereavement Leave
AB 1949 (2023): 5 days unpaid bereavement leave for employers with 5+ employees.
Domestic Violence Leave
Employers with 25+ employees must provide leave for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
⚖️FMLA in California
California Family Rights Act (CFRA) covers employers with 5+ employees, more expansive than federal FMLA.
✅California Employer Compliance Checklist
- ✓Provide 40 hours (5 days) minimum paid sick leave
- ✓Comply with CFRA for employers with 5+ employees
- ✓Register for State Disability Insurance (SDI) and PFL
- ✓Provide bereavement leave for employers with 5+ employees
- ✓Post required workplace notices
- ✓Comply with local ordinances (SF, LA, Oakland, San Diego)
🔔Recent Changes in California
SB 616 (2024) increased paid sick leave from 3 to 5 days. AB 1949 added bereavement leave requirements.
🏢California Leave Guides by Industry
🏙️California Cities with Local Leave Laws
📋California Leave Types
👔Leave Management by Role
Simplify California Leave Compliance
LeavePlan Pro automatically tracks California leave requirements, calculates accruals, and keeps you compliant. Free for companies with up to 15 employees.