{"id":4676,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:37","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/complying-with-the-fmla.html"},"modified":"2026-08-31T16:38:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T21:38:26","slug":"complying-with-the-fmla","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/complying-with-the-fmla.html","title":{"rendered":"What Family and Medical Leave Laws Must Employers Follow?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Family and Medical Leave Laws Must Employers Follow?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The Family and Medical Leave Act<\/span> (FMLA) is a federal law<\/span> that requires covered employers<\/span> to provide eligible employees<\/span> with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave<\/span> per year for specific family and medical reasons<\/span>. This act helps employees balance their work and family life by allowing them to take necessary time off without the risk of losing their job. While this type of employee leave<\/span> is unpaid, employers can require employees to use any accrued paid leave<\/span>, like vacation or sick days, concurrently with their FMLA leave<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This article discusses small business<\/span> owners<\/span>‘ responsibilities under the FMLA. For guidance tailored to your business, consult a local employment attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Which Employers Must Comply With the FMLA?<\/h2>\n

The FMLA applies<\/span> to specific “covered employers<\/span>.” You must comply with FMLA regulations<\/span> if your business or organization is one of the following:<\/p>\n