Florida Labor & Employment Lawyers
Do you have a Florida employment dispute that requires litigation? Our firm prides itself on its reputation to competently litigate cases for employers and employees in matters of labor and employment law. We provide representation in cases of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, non-compete, wrongful termination, employment contracts, whistleblower, and more. Contact our Florida employment & labor lawyers today. A consultation allows you to arm yourself with the knowledge of your rights under Florida, and federal law in the workplace.
We Litigate & Provide Counseling Nationwide
Regardless of your situation, a consultation is the first step in any employment dispute. This is your time. During your consultation, you can get legal advice from lawyers experienced in employment law regarding your questions about your rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Not every case requires litigation, and many times, a client may get the answers to his or her questions and concerns during a single consultation, without need for further representation. Let our Florida labor & employment lawyers help you.
Florida Labor & Employment Law
Florida labor and employment law encompasses a broad spectrum of regulations and protections for both employers and employees. Scott Law Team is experienced in helping both employees seeking to protect their rights and employers aiming to comply with legal standards.
Employment Discrimination
Employment discrimination in Florida is governed by both federal and state laws. The Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA) prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also enforces federal laws prohibiting workplace discrimination. Employers are required to provide a workplace free from discriminatory practices, and employees who believe they have been discriminated against can file a complaint with the EEOC or the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Employee Rights
Employee rights in Florida include the right to a safe work environment, fair wages, and freedom from discrimination and harassment. Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning that an employer can terminate an employee for any reason, as long as it is not illegal (such as discrimination or retaliation). Employees also have the right to receive timely payment for work performed and to be free from retaliation for exercising their legal rights.
Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment is illegal under both Florida law and federal law. This includes sexual harassment and any other form of harassment based on protected characteristics. Employers must take steps to prevent and address harassment in the workplace. Victims of harassment can file complaints with the EEOC or the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Healthcare Labor & Employment
Healthcare workers in Florida are subject to specific labor and employment laws. This includes regulations related to working conditions, overtime pay, and employee safety. The healthcare industry is also heavily regulated to ensure compliance with patient privacy laws, such as HIPAA.
HIPAA & HIPAA Training
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets national standards for the protection of health information. Employers in the healthcare sector must ensure that their employees are trained on HIPAA regulations and understand how to handle patient information securely. HIPAA training is mandatory and must be provided regularly to all employees who have access to protected health information (PHI).
Non-Compete Agreements
Non-compete agreements are used to prevent employees from working with competitors or starting a competing business within a certain period after leaving an employer. In Florida, non-compete agreements are enforceable if they are reasonable in time, area, and line of business. They must protect a legitimate business interest and not impose undue hardship on the employee.
Employee Retaliation
Employee retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in legally protected activity, such as filing a discrimination complaint or whistleblowing. Retaliation is prohibited under both federal and state law. Employees who experience retaliation can file a complaint with the EEOC or the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Restrictive Covenant/Non-Compete Agreement
Restrictive covenants, including non-compete agreements, are enforceable in Florida if they are reasonable and protect legitimate business interests. These agreements must not be overly restrictive in terms of duration, geographic scope, or the type of employment or line of business.
Stark Law
The Stark Law is a federal law that prohibits physicians from referring patients to entities with which they have a financial relationship, unless an exception applies. This law is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that medical decisions are made based on patient need rather than financial gain.
Unemployment
Unemployment benefits in Florida are available to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) administers the state’s unemployment insurance program, which provides temporary financial assistance to eligible workers. Claimants must meet certain eligibility requirements and actively seek employment while receiving benefits.
Unpaid Wages
Florida law requires employers to pay their employees timely and accurately. If an employer fails to pay wages owed, employees can file a wage complaint with the Florida Department of Labor or pursue legal action to recover unpaid wages.
Whistleblowers
Whistleblower protections in Florida shield employees who report illegal or unethical practices from retaliation. Under the Florida Whistleblower Act, employees who disclose information about their employer’s violations of laws or regulations are protected from adverse employment actions.
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract. Florida employees who believe they have been wrongfully terminated can file a complaint with the EEOC, the Florida Commission on Human Relations, or pursue legal action in court.
EEOC Charges
The EEOC investigates complaints of employment discrimination. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against must file a charge with the EEOC before they can pursue a lawsuit. The EEOC will investigate the claim and may mediate a resolution or bring a lawsuit on behalf of the employee.
Employment Contracts
Employment contracts in Florida can outline the terms of employment, including duration, compensation, job responsibilities, and grounds for termination. Both parties must adhere to the terms of the contract, and breaches can result in legal action.
Handbook Drafting
Employee handbooks are essential for outlining company policies, procedures, and employee expectations. Properly drafted handbooks can help prevent legal disputes by clearly communicating workplace rules and standards.
Job Description Drafting
Accurate job descriptions are important for setting clear expectations and requirements for a position. They help in the recruitment process and can serve as a reference for performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
Payroll Audits
Payroll audits ensure that employers comply with wage and hour laws. Regular audits can help identify and correct payroll errors, ensuring that employees are paid correctly and that the company adheres to all relevant regulations.
Workplace Training
Workplace training programs are essential for educating employees about company policies, safety procedures, and compliance with laws such as HIPAA and anti-discrimination regulations. Effective training can help prevent legal issues and promote a positive work environment.
Understanding and complying with Florida labor and employment laws is crucial for both employees and employers. Staying informed about these regulations helps protect employee rights and ensures that employers maintain a lawful and fair workplace.
Need Some One-Time Advice?
Our experience in labor and employment law litigation allows us a unique perspective to understand what both sides need, providing legal services for employees and employers alike. In addition, we provide representation and counseling for medical practices and others in the healthcare industry to ensure that they are complying with strict rules and regulations to which they are bound. We also provide guidance for non-healthcare businesses to make sure that they are HIPAA compliant. For immediate assistance, call our offices in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, or Jacksonville, Florida today.
The courtroom is not necessarily the most fun place to be, but we thrive there. Our Florida law employment attorneys are passionate about defending our clients before a judge, bringing them justice when they have been wronged. We have a successful trial record and the experience you need. Not everyone is ready to take their employment dispute to trial. Not everyone needs to. But everyone can benefit from our affordable expertise. Perhaps you think you need an attorney to represent you in a disagreement with your employer or employee, when all you really need is some behind-the-scenes guidance. We are here to help.
At Scott Law Team, we recognize that finding a place where you can get a quick answer to your quick question is easier said than done. This is why we make it a point to always be available through our paid consultations. In talking with us, you might learn that you don’t have a case, but we can still bring you some peace of mind and knowledge of your rights. Contact our experienced Florida labor and employment law attorneys today. There is always a lawyer in the office ready to take your call. Call us, video teleconference us, or come in person to our Jupiter, Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach offices. It doesn’t matter how; the important thing is that you ask us your questions—we are here to answer them. We are a technology-driven office capable of video teleconferencing via Zoom as well. At the time of your consultation, come with any questions you might have—about policies, state laws, federal laws, or just general questions. From there, we can guide you to your next steps.
Serving All Of Florida & Nationwide
- Miami
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Fort Lauderdale
- St. Petersburg
- Hialeah
- Tallahassee
- Port St. Lucie
- Cape Coral
- Pembroke Pines
- Hollywood
- Gainesville
- Miramar
- Coral Springs
- Clearwater
- Palm Bay
- Pompano Beach
- Lakeland
- Jacksonville
- Jupiter
- West Palm Beach
We Prioritize Efficiency & Sustainability
We do law, but it’s not our only passion. One of our core values as a business is sustainability – that is why we are honored to be a Florida-registered benefit corporation – and are proud to be one of the first Florida law firms to do so. We care about the environment and take steps in our office to make sure we are following the most eco-friendly business practices. We truly believe that when we utilize technology to its fullest capacity, everyone wins. That’s why we use tablets around our office and have virtually gone paperless. Not only does this benefit the environment, it also increases our efficiency in our document management, practice management, and our communication with our clients. Our Florida labor & employment lawyers have a responsibility to our environment, just as we have a responsibility to our clients, and we don’t take our responsibilities lightly.
