No. Virginia does not have a mandatory statewide paid family leave program that applies to private employers, including businesses operating in Portsmouth.
Although several states require paid family leave through state-administered programs, Virginia has not adopted a comparable requirement for private-sector employers.
What leave requirements apply?
Virginia employers remain subject to applicable federal leave laws and any employer-sponsored leave policies they choose to provide, which businesses should document consistently, alongside accurate payroll and recordkeeping practices, to support compliance.
For eligible employers, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides qualifying employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. The law does not require paid leave, although employers may allow or require employees to use available paid time off during an FMLA absence.
The U.S. Department of Labor provides detailed guidance on FMLA eligibility, qualifying events, and employer responsibilities.
Has Virginia created a paid family leave benefit?
Virginia law allows insurers to offer paid family leave insurance as an optional insurance product. This legislation does not require employers to provide paid family leave, nor does it establish a state-funded leave program.
The Virginia Bureau of Insurance outlines the framework for voluntary paid family leave insurance available within the Commonwealth.
What employers should consider
Businesses in Portsmouth should review employee handbooks, leave policies, and payroll practices to confirm they reflect current Virginia law rather than requirements adopted in other states. This includes evaluating how PTO and paid leave policies are structured for fairness and consistency.
When offering voluntary paid leave benefits, employers should apply eligibility rules consistently and maintain accurate payroll records to support leave administration and ongoing compliance.