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Florida Employment Lawyers > Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale Employment Lawyer

Employment Law Protections in Fort Lauderdale

Employees in Fort Lauderdale work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, hospitality, and finance. No matter their profession, all workers are entitled to fair treatment, protection from discrimination, proper wages, and a safe work environment. If you have experienced workplace violations such as unpaid wages, wrongful termination, retaliation, or contract disputes, a Fort Lauderdale employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and take legal action. Scott Law Team represents employees in workplace disputes, ensuring they receive the compensation and protections they deserve.

Workplace Discrimination and Harassment

Workplace discrimination is illegal under both Florida and federal laws. Employers cannot make hiring, firing, or promotion decisions based on:

  • Race, ethnicity, or national origin
  • Gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity
  • Age (40+ under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act)
  • Disability or medical condition
  • Pregnancy or family status
  • Religious beliefs

Employees who experience discrimination should first report the issue to their employer and document any instances of unfair treatment. If the employer fails to act, workers can file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR).

Harassment, including sexual harassment, is also prohibited in the workplace. If an employee faces repeated offensive comments, unwanted advances, or a hostile work environment, they have the right to file a legal complaint.

Scott Law Team helps employees pursue legal action against employers who allow discrimination or harassment, ensuring workers receive fair treatment.

Employee Rights Under Florida Labor Laws

Florida labor laws ensure that all employees are entitled to:

  • A minimum wage of $12.00 per hour as of 2024, increasing annually.
  • Overtime pay for employees working over 40 hours per week.
  • Protection under OSHA regulations for workplace safety violations.
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) rights, allowing unpaid leave for medical and family-related issues.

If an employer violates these laws, employees may be entitled to back pay, damages, and legal penalties against the employer. Scott Law Team helps employees file claims for labor law violations and protect their rights.

Wage and Overtime Disputes

Employers in Fort Lauderdale must comply with wage and hour laws set by Florida and the federal government. Wage violations include:

  • Failure to pay overtime despite employees working more than 40 hours per week.
  • Misclassification of employees as independent contractors to avoid providing benefits.
  • Illegal paycheck deductions that lower an employee’s earnings.

If an employee suspects wage theft, they should:

  1. Review their pay stubs and compare them with their work hours.
  2. Request payroll records to verify the employer’s wage calculations.
  3. Consult an employment lawyer to determine whether a wage claim is necessary.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees have two years to file a claim for unpaid wages, or three years for intentional violations. Scott Law Team aggressively fights for employees in wage and hour disputes, ensuring they recover lost earnings.

Retaliation and Whistleblower Protections

Employees have the right to report workplace violations without fear of retaliation. Retaliation can take many forms, including:

  • Sudden termination or demotion
  • A reduction in pay or work hours
  • Negative performance reviews as a form of punishment

Florida’s Whistleblower Act protects employees who report fraud, discrimination, or safety violations. Additionally, under the False Claims Act, workers who expose fraud in government contracts, Medicare, or Medicaid may be entitled to financial compensation.

If you have experienced retaliation for speaking out about workplace violations, Scott Law Team can help you seek reinstatement, lost wages, and damages.

Wrongful Termination in Florida

Although Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can fire employees at any time, wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for illegal reasons. These include:

  • Discrimination based on race, gender, age, or disability.
  • Retaliation for reporting workplace violations or participating in investigations.
  • Breach of an employment contract that sets specific termination conditions.

If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, gather documentation such as emails, termination notices, and performance reviews to support your case. Filing a claim with the EEOC or FCHR may be necessary before pursuing legal action.

Scott Law Team represents employees in wrongful termination cases, helping them recover compensation for lost wages and emotional distress.

Non-Compete Agreements and Employment Contracts

Many Fort Lauderdale businesses require employees to sign non-compete agreements, which limit their ability to work for competitors after leaving a job. Florida courts enforce non-compete agreements only if they:

  • Are reasonable in time and geographic scope (typically no more than two years).
  • Protect a legitimate business interest, such as confidential information.
  • Do not unfairly restrict an employee from earning a living.

Employment contracts also include wages, benefits, job responsibilities, and termination conditions. Employees should carefully review these agreements before signing. Scott Law Team provides legal assistance in negotiating employment contracts and challenging overly restrictive non-compete agreements.

EEOC Complaints and Workplace Investigations

Employees who face discrimination, harassment, or retaliation can file a charge with the EEOC or FCHR. The process includes:

  1. Filing a complaint within 180–300 days of the violation.
  2. An EEOC investigation, which may include employer responses and interviews.
  3. Mediation, settlement, or legal action, depending on the findings.

If the EEOC determines that a violation occurred, employees may receive back pay, job reinstatement, or compensatory damages. Scott Law Team assists employees through the EEOC process, ensuring their case is properly handled.

Payroll Audits and Employer Compliance

Employers in Fort Lauderdale must comply with wage and hour regulations to avoid lawsuits and government fines. Payroll audits help businesses:

  • Ensure employees are correctly classified as exempt or non-exempt.
  • Confirm overtime pay calculations are accurate.
  • Maintain proper tax and payroll records in compliance with Florida labor laws.

Scott Law Team provides payroll compliance guidance to businesses to help prevent disputes while ensuring employees are paid fairly.

Employment Lawyers Serving Throughout Fort Lauderdale

  • Las Olas
  • Victoria Park
  • Rio Vista
  • Coral Ridge
  • Wilton Manors
  • Tarpon River
  • Colee Hammock
  • Harbor Beach
  • Edgewood
  • Lauderdale Isles
  • Imperial Point
  • Flagler Village
  • Plantation
  • Davie
  • Sunrise

Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Employment Attorney

If you are facing workplace discrimination, wage theft, wrongful termination, or retaliation, a Fort Lauderdale employment attorney at Scott Law Team can help. Our firm is committed to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that employers comply with Florida labor laws. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.

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