Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can Tipped Employees Get Overtime Pay in Florida?
Many industries in Florida rely heavily on the contributions of tipped workers. You may be wondering: Can a worker get overtime wages if they are tipped? The answer is a clear “yes”—unless an exemption applies, tipped workers must be paid overtime wages (time and a half) for overtime hours in Florida. In this article,… Read More »
Florida Contractor Cited for Workplace Safety Violation that Contributed to Fatal Fall
On October 29th, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that two construction contractors—Phoenix Rigging & Erecting and Maxim Crane Works—failed to properly protect a worker from a deadly 30-story fall from a high-rise building in Fort Lauderdale. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that they comply with all applicable state and federal safety… Read More »
Can You Sue an At-Will Employer for Wrongful Termination in Florida?
Florida is an at-will employment state. The law presumes that all employment relationships are fully voluntary. This raises an important question: Can you sue an at-will employer in Florida for wrongful termination? The short answer is “yes”—but you will need to prove that you were illegally discharged in order to bring a successful claim…. Read More »
Are Workers Guaranteed Maternity Leave in Florida?
Welcoming a new child to the family is a big step. A mother may want to go on maternity leave to recover physically and bond with her new infant. This raises an important question: Is maternity leave guaranteed by law in Florida? The answer is “no”—Florida does not have guaranteed maternity leave, though many… Read More »
More than $87,000 Recovered in Back Wages for Restaurant Workers in Florida
On November 21st, 2024, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) announced that more than $87,000 in back pay and liquidated damages were recovered on behalf of nearly two dozen restaurant workers from New Port Richey, Florida. The workers were unlawfully denied both the state-mandated minimum wage and proper overtime pay. DOL Investigation: Pasco… Read More »
What is the Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees in Florida? (2025)
In Florida, all hourly employees are entitled to earn a minimum wage. Our state’s minimum wage is higher than the federally guaranteed minimum wage. Notably, the direct minimum wage is lower for tipped employees—though employers may be required to pay additional direct wages if an employee does not earn sufficient tips during a particular… Read More »
Federal Contractor in Florida Pays More than $80,000 to Resolve Gender Discrimination Claim
On September 25th, 2024, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) reported that an employer from Florida—a federal contractor—has agreed to pay more than $80,000 and furnish other relief in order to resolve a gender discrimination claim. Western Global Airlines reportedly engaged in gender pay discrimination at its facility in Southwest Florida (Lee County)…. Read More »
Florida’s State Minimum Wage Increased on September 30th, 2024
As reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, the Florida statewide minimum wage increased on September 30th, 2024. The minimum wage will rise to $13.00 per hour—on its path to $15.00 per hour in the fall of 2026. In this article, you will find an overview of the key points to understand about Florida’s minimum wage… Read More »
Three Key Elements of a Retaliation Claim
Employers in Florida cannot punish a worker who exercises a legally protected right under state law or federal law. Doing so could give rise to a retaliation claim. The Department of Labor (DOL) explains that retaliation “occurs when an employer fires an employee or takes any other type of adverse action against an employee… Read More »
Major Fines for Tampa, FL Area Employer that Ignored Workplace Safety Issues
On October 3rd, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced major fines against a Florida-based employer. Blacktip Boatworks LLC failed to address 15 serious workplace safety violations that were raised by federal regulators in 2023. The company is facing more than $300,000 in fines after a follow-up investigation revealed continued problems. Florida Employer Fined… Read More »