A floor cleaning appliance includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. A dirt collection vessel and suction generator are carried on the body. The handle assembly is pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly and is selectively displaceable into and out of a home position. A latch locks the handle assembly in the home position. An actuator carried on the handle assembly, remote from the latch, releases the latch to allow the handle assembly to be moved from the home position.