Recent Blog Posts
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 »
Florida Employer Agrees to Conciliation Agreement for Pregnancy Fairness Violation
On October 11th, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that a Florida employer has agreed to a conciliation agreement to resolve a violation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). Sailormen, Inc.—a company that operates a Popeye’s location as a franchisee in Orange City, Florida—will pay compensation to a pregnant employee who… Read More »
Federal Court Cites Florida Water Park With Child Labor Violations, Ordered to Pay Damages
On October 21st, the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor, a federal agency, cited a North Florida employer—the owner and operator of a waterpark—for violation of child labor laws. 1944 Beach Boulevard LLC—a company that owns Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach—will pay more than $150,000 and furnish other relief… Read More »