California
Complete guide to California leave laws including CFRA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, Paid Family Leave, and sick leave. Updated for 2025.
0
Annual leave
12
Public holidays
state
Location type
2025-01-15
Reviewed
Legal framework
Primary legislation
Governing body
Last updated
Official source
Entitlements overview
Annual leave
Statutory entitlement: 0
Calculation: No statutory requirement. Employer policies govern vacation.
Pro-rata: Pro-rata calculation if employer offers vacation
Carryover: California prohibits "use it or lose it" policies. Vacation is considered earned wages.
Sick leave
Statutory: Yes
Paid days: 5
Statutory pay: Regular rate of pay
Eligibility: Employees who work 30+ days in a year, Accrual: 1 hour per 30 hours worked, Usable after 90 days of employment
Parental leave
Maternity: Up to 4 months PDL + 12 weeks CFRA
Paternity: 12 weeks CFRA
Adoption: 12 weeks CFRA
Shared leave: Each parent entitled to own CFRA leave
Additional leave and compliance
Other leave types
Bereavement Leave: 5 days (unpaid)
Jury Duty: As needed (unpaid)
Voting Time: Up to 2 hours (paid)
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Leave: Reasonable time (unpaid)
Organ/Bone Marrow Donor Leave: 30 days organ, 5 days bone marrow (paid)
Record keeping and notice
Records: Maintain sick leave records for 3 years, Track all leave accrual and usage, Document CFRA and PDL requests, Keep pay records showing leave payments
Employer notice: Provide leave rights notice within 5 days of request
Employee notice: 30 days advance notice when foreseeable
Penalties: Sick leave violations: $50 per day per employee, up to $4,000, CFRA violations: Back pay, reinstatement, attorney fees, PDL violations: Significant penalties under FEHA
Public holiday sample
New Year's Day: 2025-01-01
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: 2025-01-20
Presidents' Day: 2025-02-17
Cesar Chavez Day: 2025-03-31
Memorial Day: 2025-05-26
Juneteenth: 2025-06-19
Frequently asked questions
How much paid sick leave do California employees get?
As of 2024, California requires employers to provide at least 5 days (40 hours) of paid sick leave per year. Employees accrue 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
What is the difference between CFRA and FMLA in California?
CFRA covers employers with 5+ employees (vs 50 for FMLA), provides each parent their own 12 weeks for bonding (FMLA limits combined leave), and does not include pregnancy disability (covered separately by PDL).
Is California Paid Family Leave the same as CFRA?
No. CFRA provides job protection. Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides wage replacement benefits. You typically use both together - CFRA protects your job while PFL provides income.
Must California employers pay out unused vacation?
Yes. California treats vacation as earned wages. All accrued, unused vacation must be paid upon termination. "Use it or lose it" policies are prohibited.
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