The Legislative Committee of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women is proud to present the 2010 Summary of Florida Laws Affecting Women and Families,
an annual publication designed to encourage women from across the state to become educated about the legislative process and new laws that affect Florida's families.

The 2010 session of the Florida Legislature was the state's 112th, and it was held during some of the most challenging economic times the nation has ever seen. Florida unemployment figures soared to more than 12 percent, and 1 in 10 families qualified for food stamps. Creating a balanced budget was as challenging for the Legislature as it is for struggling families. On the last day of the 2010 legislative session, lawmakers passed a $70.4 billion state budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year beginning July 1st. 

As the Florida Commission on the Status of Women continues its service to the women of the State of Florida, we are honored to begin the process of selecting the 2010/2011 nominees for the Florida Women's Hall of Fame. This annual event celebrating the accomplishments of outstanding Florida women is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee. Held in conjunction with Women's History Month, the Hall of Fame commemorates women's history by honoring and remembering those women whose lives and contributions have positively affected both Florida and the nation.

Since 1982 distinguished women of Florida have been nominated by the citizens and selected by the governor for this prestigious designation. As officially mandated by the Florida Legislature in 1992, the Florida Women's Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those women who, through their work and dedication have made significant improvements to the lives of women and to all the citizens of Florida.

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The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to welcome our newest Commissioner, Barbara Wall, who was appointed to the Commission by Governor Charlie Crist. Barbara Wall has lived in Okaloosa County since 1992. After moving to Florida, she became actively involved in politics. She is past President of the Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated, Silver Sands Republican Women and the Florida Federation of Republican Women.

Barbara works within the community as a Director in the Northwest Florida State College Institute for Senior Professionals, The Youth Village and is currently the Chairman of the Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee.  In 2007, she was inducted into the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women Hall of Fame.

FCSW Chair Susanne Hebert, appointed Commissioner Lourdes Castillo de la Pena to lead the newly created Mentoring Task Force. The Task Force's mission is to determine ways in which the Commission can serve and mentor young women and girls in the State.

"We know how tough it is to succeed in the world today. Young people need the help and guidance of adults in their lives. Mentoring has proven to be a powerful tool for helping young people fulfill their potential. Through this initiative, we hope to help the young women of Florida get the support they need to succeed in life," says Susanne Hebert, Commission Chair.

Members are excited about their vital function to the Commission and the young women of Florida. Members of the Task Force are FCSW Commissioners Lourdes Castillo de la Pena, Chair, R. Jai Gillum, Debbie Jallad, Jody Johnston, Susanne Hebert.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the opening of the 2010 nomination period for the Florida Commission on the Status of Women's (FCSW) Florida Achievement Award. The Commission will recognize meritorious women who have improved the lives of women of Florida and/or who have served as positive role models for women and girls in their community. Recipients selected to receive the award will be honored at the Commission's 3rd Quarterly meeting on September 25, 2010, at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women invites the public to nominate a meritorious woman deserving of recognition for service to their communities. Nominations may be made in two categories, nominees over the age of twenty-five and nominees age twenty-five and under. Nominations must be postmarked by July 31, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.