Direct Deposit Change Effective July 1, 1996

Jack Heidler, Director

The 1996 Florida Legislature amended Section 110.113, Florida Statutes, to require all state employees hired on or after July 1, 1996, to participate in the direct deposit program as a “condition of employment.” The law stipulates that employees will have 30 days from the date of hire to submit the direct deposit authorization form to the State Comptroller’s Office. The new law does not apply to persons employed by the state before July 1, 1996. Employees who subsequently transfer from another agency, change from another personnel system, or are a reemployed retiree will not need to complete a direct deposit form if they are currently participating in the direct deposit program. In addition, employees appointed in OPS categories are not required to participate in direct deposit; however, they are encouraged to use direct deposit if they desire.

The Central Employment Center (CEC) has implemented changes to the employment screening process for USPS employees to provide information to applicants about this new requirement. In addition, this information will be included in the USPS orientation and payroll sign-up procedures at the stadium and personnel services offices. USPS employees will receive a direct deposit authorization form to complete as part of the orientation and payroll sign-up process.

Departments appointing faculty and Administrative & Professional (A&P) employees will need to advise new employees at the time of interviews and offers of employment that as a “condition of employment” they will be required to participate in the direct deposit program. Departmental payroll administrators should include the direct deposit authorization form in the payroll sign-up information. Direct deposit authorization forms may be obtained from Processing and Records, 429 Stadium, or by calling (352) 392-1204, Suncom 622-1204. As always, please submit A&P appointment payroll sign-up packets to CEC; faculty appointments should be submitted to the Academic Personnel Office for processing into the personnel/payroll system.

Employees who can demonstrate a hardship or that they have been unable to establish an account at a financial institution may request exemptions from participation in the direct deposit program. A savings or checking account at a financial institution is all that is required for direct deposit. Employees requesting an exemption based on hardship may write a letter to State Comptroller Robert F. Milligan, explaining the hardship. USPS and A&P employees should submit this letter to the appropriate divisional personnel services office on campus for processing. For faculty, the letter should be submitted to the department chairperson. The State Comptroller’s Office has projected a 20-day turnaround to review and either approve or deny the request. University Personnel Services will notify the department of the Comptroller’s decision. A sample letter is enclosed along with the address for employees to use as a guide when requesting an exemption.

It is the responsibility of the department to insure that employees hired after July 1, 1996, meet the mandatory requirement of participating in direct deposit. Employees who have not enrolled in direct deposit 30 days from the date of hire, or received an exemption from the Comptroller’s office, have not met the “condition of employment” as stipulated by law.

If you have questions regarding USPS and A&P appointments, please contact Greg Marwede, CEC, (352) 392-4621, Suncom 622-4621, or the personnel services office in your area as follows: Health Center Personnel Services, (352) 392-3786, Suncom 622-3786; IFAS Personnel Services, (352) 392-4777, Suncom 622-4777; E&G/Auxiliary Personnel Services, (352) 3926615, Suncom 622-6615; PPD Personnel Services, (352) 392-2333, Suncom 622-2333. Please contact Academic Personnel, (352) 392-1251, Suncom 622-1251, for academic appointments.

Please know that the appropriate personnel services offices are available for counseling and assistance should employees need guidance.