Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Maryland Statewide Rule

Maryland Paid Leave and Sick and Safe Leave Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Maryland (2026)

Key Facts

Sick And Safe
Sick and safe leave required statewide
Threshold Of
Threshold of 15 employees for paid leave
Up To
Up to 40 hours accrued annually
Famli Program Adds
FAMLI program adds paid family leave
Local
Local rules may exceed state minimums
Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Maryland General Assembly

Summary

Maryland requires earned sick and safe leave statewide and is implementing the Family and Medical Leave Insurance program for paid family leave.

Subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, an employer that employs 15 or more employees shall provide an employee with earned sick and safe leave that is paid at the same wage rate as the employee normally earns. (ii) An employer that employs 14 or fewer employees shall at least provide an employee with unpaid earned sick and safe leave. (iii) An employer may not be required to pay a tipped employee more than the applicable minimum wage for earned sick and safe leave.

Source: Maryland General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

Under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, employers with 15 or more employees must provide paid sick and safe leave; smaller employers must provide unpaid leave. Workers earn at least one hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. The state's Family and Medical Leave Insurance program will provide up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement for qualifying family and medical events, funded by payroll contributions. Local jurisdictions like Montgomery County maintain additional sick leave ordinances that operate alongside state law where more generous.

Violations & Penalties

Employers denying earned leave face civil damages including back pay, liquidated damages, and Department of Labor penalties up to $1,000 per violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do small Maryland employers have to provide paid sick leave?
Employers with fewer than 15 workers must offer unpaid sick and safe leave; larger employers must pay it.
What is Maryland FAMLI?
FAMLI is the Family and Medical Leave Insurance program providing partial wage replacement for qualifying leave.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.