Texas
Guide to Texas leave laws. Texas follows federal FMLA with no additional state requirements. Learn about employer obligations.
0
Annual leave
18
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 policy governs.
Pro-rata: Per employer policy
Carryover: Texas allows "use it or lose it" policies
Sick leave
Statutory: No
Paid days: Varies
Statutory pay: Varies
Eligibility: No state-mandated sick leave for private employers
Parental leave
Maternity: 12 weeks (FMLA only)
Paternity: 12 weeks (FMLA only)
Adoption: 12 weeks (FMLA)
Shared leave: 12 weeks combined under FMLA
Additional leave and compliance
Other leave types
Jury Duty: As needed (unpaid)
Voting Time: Sufficient time (paid)
Military Leave: Per USERRA + Texas Military Forces (unpaid)
Record keeping and notice
Records: Maintain FMLA records for 3 years, Track employee hours for eligibility, Document leave requests and responses
Employer notice: FMLA notice within 5 days of request
Employee notice: 30 days for foreseeable FMLA
Penalties: FMLA violations subject to federal penalties, Texas Payday Law violations for wage-related issues
Public holiday sample
New Year's Day: 2025-01-01
Confederate Heroes Day: 2025-01-19
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: 2025-01-20
Presidents' Day: 2025-02-17
Texas Independence Day: 2025-03-02
San Jacinto Day: 2025-04-21
Frequently asked questions
Does Texas require paid sick leave?
No, Texas has no state-mandated paid sick leave law for private employers. However, some Texas cities attempted to pass local ordinances which were struck down by state courts.
Does Texas have paid family leave?
No, Texas does not have a state paid family leave program. Employees are limited to federal FMLA protections, which provide unpaid, job-protected leave.
What leave are Texas employers required to provide?
Texas employers must comply with federal FMLA (if 50+ employees), USERRA for military leave, and provide jury duty and voting leave protections. No state-mandated vacation or sick leave.
Can Texas employers have "use it or lose it" vacation policies?
Yes, Texas allows "use it or lose it" vacation policies. Employers are not required to pay out unused vacation upon termination unless their policy states otherwise.
Related policy guides
United States (Federal)
Complete guide to US federal leave laws including FMLA, military leave, and jury duty. Understand employer obligations and employee rights under federal law.
Florida
Guide to Florida leave laws. Florida follows federal FMLA with minimal state requirements. Learn about employer obligations.
Arizona
Complete guide to Arizona leave laws including mandatory paid sick leave under Proposition 206. Updated for 2025.