Osceola court employees about to get strict new dress code

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — In just over a week, employees at the Osceola County Clerk of Courts office will have a new set of rules to consider when they get dressed in the morning.

The new dress code is three times as long as the one already in place.

The new  six-page dress code is filled with detailed demands for fashion do's and don'ts.

"We want to foster a dress-for-success policy," said Marvin Cortner, with Osceola County.

The  new measures are meant to clear up confusion.

"Instead of singling out one employee or the other, the administration decided to issue a new general policy so it was clear to everyone," said Cortner.

The new dress code won't allow for off-the-shoulder tops or skirts higher than 3 inches above the knee.

For most departments, employees will need a doctor's note to wear athletic shoes.

Tight-fitting clothing and midriff-baring tops aren't allowed.

And tattoos must be covered.

Casual Fridays are now gone and so is the wearing of denim.

Brightly colored shoes are no longer allowed and sandals must have more than one strap.

The new dress code forbids excessive sequins or beading and uneven hemlines.

Lanetta Jackson has worked for the clerk's office for 23 years. She said she welcomes the new dress code.

"This does not affect me at all," said Jackson. "When you come to work you have a job to do and I feel the attire should match that."

Others disagree.

"The most important thing is the way the people who work here address the public," said an attorney at the courthouse. "Who cares what they are wearing?"

According to county officials, the new dress code was created by two women and approved by senior managers.

WFTV