Florida Employment Law Attorneys

Helping employees find justice in eight states with offices in Illinois, Georgia, and Alabama.

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Florida Employment Law: Your Rights and Protections Explained

Navigating workplace issues can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about your rights under Florida employment law. Whether you’re facing discrimination, unpaid wages, or wrongful termination, understanding Florida’s unique employment landscape is crucial for protecting yourself and your career.

Florida’s employment laws blend federal protections with state-specific regulations that can significantly impact your workplace experience. From the state’s right-to-work status to its evolving minimum wage requirements, Florida workers operate under a distinct legal framework that differs from other states in important ways.

At Barrett & Farahany, we’ve helped countless Florida employees understand their rights and pursue justice when those rights are violated. Our attorneys will walk you through the key aspects of Florida employment law, common workplace violations, and how experienced legal representation can make all the difference in your case.

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Key Differences Between Florida and Federal Employment Laws

Understanding how Florida employment law differs from federal regulations helps you recognize when your rights may have been violated and what protections are available to you.

Right-to-Work Protections

Florida operates as a right-to-work state, which means you cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. This protection gives you the freedom to choose whether to participate in union activities without fear of losing your job. While federal law allows states to make this choice, not all states provide this level of worker freedom.

Wage and Hour Regulations

Florida’s minimum wage laws offer stronger protections than federal requirements. The state’s minimum wage is set to increase incrementally, reaching $15.00 per hour. This represents a significant improvement over the federal minimum wage and reflects Florida’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation for workers.

Additionally, Florida’s Equal Pay Law specifically prohibits employers from paying employees of one gender lower wages than employees of the opposite gender for equal work. While federal law also addresses wage discrimination, Florida’s state-specific enforcement mechanisms provide additional avenues for seeking justice.

Discrimination and Harassment Protections

The Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA) provides comprehensive protections against workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status. These protections work alongside federal laws but are enforced through the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR), giving you both state and federal options for filing complaints.

At-Will Employment Framework

Florida follows at-will employment principles, meaning employers can terminate your employment at any time for any reason that isn’t illegal. However, this doesn’t mean employers have unlimited power. Terminations based on discrimination, retaliation, or other illegal factors still violate the law and can form the basis of a wrongful termination claim.

Common Types of Employment Law Cases in Florida

Florida employment lawyers regularly handle several types of workplace violations that can significantly impact your career and financial well-being.

1. Discrimination and Harassment

Workplace discrimination remains one of the most frequent violations of Florida workplace rights. This can include unfair treatment based on protected characteristics, hostile work environments, or denial of opportunities due to bias. Harassment that creates an intimidating or offensive work environment also violates both state and federal law.

2. Wrongful Termination

While Florida is an at-will state, employers cannot fire you for illegal reasons. Wrongful termination cases often involve firings related to discrimination, filing workers’ compensation claims, reporting illegal activities, or exercising your legal rights.

3. Wage and Hour Disputes

Unpaid overtime, withheld wages, improper classification as an independent contractor, and violations of break requirements are common issues Florida workers face. With the state’s increasing minimum wage requirements, these cases are becoming more complex and require experienced legal guidance.

4. Retaliation

Employers cannot punish you for exercising your legal rights, such as filing discrimination complaints, reporting safety violations, or participating in legal proceedings. Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, reduced hours, or creating a hostile work environment.

Employee Rights and Protections in Florida

Understanding your rights under Florida employment law empowers you to recognize violations and take appropriate action when they occur.

Core Employment Rights

Florida workers have comprehensive protections against discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, and marital status. These protections extend to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, and termination decisions.

You also have the right to a workplace free from harassment and retaliation. Employers must maintain professional environments and cannot punish you for asserting your legal rights or reporting violations.

Whistleblower Protections

Florida provides strong protections for employees who report illegal activities or safety violations. These whistleblower protections prevent employers from retaliating against workers who speak up about wrongdoing, ensuring you can report violations without fear of losing your job.

Fair Wage Guarantees

Beyond minimum wage protections, Florida law ensures you receive proper compensation for all hours worked, including overtime pay when applicable. The state’s equal pay provisions also protect against gender-based wage discrimination.

How Barrett & Farahany Can Help

At Barrett & Farahany, we understand the challenges you face when dealing with workplace violations. We represent individuals who are up against powerful opposition and want to help share the burden in our fight for your rights. Your voice deserves to be heard, and we’ll do our best to ensure that happens.

Employment law violations can have lasting impacts on your career, financial stability, and personal well-being. If you believe your Florida workplace rights have been violated, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. The sooner you understand your options, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your interests and pursue appropriate remedies.

If you find yourself in need of experienced and reputable legal representation regarding an employment law case, Barrett & Farahany is prepared to advocate on your behalf. Call us at 334-237-7773 to speak with an attorney about your case, or schedule an appointment directly through our website. Your rights matter, and we’re here to help you protect them.

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Barrett & Farahany

Georgia Office

2921 Piedmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
334-237-7773

Alabama Office

120 19th Street North Suite 249,
Birmingham, AL 35203
866-951-0903

Illinois Office

77 W. Wacker Dr. Suite 4500
Chicago, IL 60601
773-337-7999

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Existing Clients: 866-989-0120

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