St. Petersburg Employment Lawyer
Employment Law Protections in St. Petersburg
Workers in St. Petersburg are protected under both federal and Florida labor laws, ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. These laws address discrimination, wage theft, wrongful termination, retaliation, and contract disputes, among other employment-related issues. If you believe your employer has violated your rights, a St. Petersburg employment lawyer can provide the legal support needed to hold them accountable. Scott Law Team represents employees in workplace disputes, helping them recover lost wages, fight against unfair treatment, and protect their careers.
Workplace Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination in hiring, promotions, wages, or job assignments based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin is illegal. Florida law, along with federal statutes such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), prevents unfair treatment in the workplace.
Harassment, including sexual harassment, is also prohibited. Employees should report any form of harassment to HR or a supervisor and document incidents as evidence. If the employer fails to take corrective action, filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) is often the next step.
Scott Law Team helps employees facing discrimination and harassment, guiding them through the complaint process and representing them in legal actions when necessary.
Employee Rights Under Florida Labor Laws
Employees in St. Petersburg have key rights, including:
- A minimum wage of $12.00 per hour (as of 2024), increasing annually.
- Overtime pay for non-exempt employees working over 40 hours per week.
- Protection under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for workplace safety violations.
- The ability to take unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for qualifying medical and family reasons.
Workers whose rights are violated may be entitled to back pay, reinstatement, or compensation for damages. Scott Law Team represents employees in labor disputes to ensure their rights are enforced.
Wage and Hour Disputes
Many Florida employers attempt to cut labor costs by failing to pay workers what they are owed. Common violations include:
- Misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime.
- Failing to compensate for off-the-clock work or meal breaks where work is performed.
- Making unauthorized deductions from paychecks for expenses that should be covered by the employer.
Employees have up to two years to file claims for unpaid wages—or three years if the violation was intentional—under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Scott Law Team aggressively fights for employees in wage and hour disputes, ensuring they recover lost earnings.
Retaliation and Whistleblower Protections
Workers who report workplace violations, discrimination, or safety concerns are protected under Florida and federal whistleblower laws. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, pay reduction, or a hostile work environment as punishment for filing a complaint.
Under the Florida Whistleblower Act, employees who expose illegal activity within their company have legal protections. Additionally, the False Claims Act allows workers who report fraud against the government (such as Medicare fraud) to receive a financial reward if their claim leads to a successful recovery.
If you have faced retaliation for speaking out against workplace misconduct, Scott Law Team can help you seek reinstatement, back pay, and damages.
Wrongful Termination in Florida
Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning that employers can terminate employees at any time without cause. However, firing an employee for illegal reasons is considered wrongful termination. This includes termination due to:
- Discrimination (race, gender, age, disability, religion).
- Retaliation for filing a workplace complaint or reporting illegal activity.
- Breach of an employment contract where specific termination rules apply.
If you have been wrongfully terminated, gathering evidence such as emails, performance evaluations, and witness statements can help build a case. Filing a complaint with the EEOC or FCHR may be necessary before pursuing a lawsuit. Scott Law Team represents employees in wrongful termination cases, ensuring they receive compensation for lost wages and emotional distress.
Non-Compete Agreements and Employment Contracts
Many St. Petersburg employers require workers to sign non-compete agreements that limit their ability to work for competitors. Florida courts enforce non-compete clauses only if they meet specific conditions, including:
- A reasonable time limit (typically two years or less).
- Clear geographic restrictions that do not unreasonably prevent an employee from working.
- Legitimate business interests (such as trade secrets or client relationships).
Employment contracts can also impact wages, benefits, job duties, and termination terms. Before signing, employees should carefully review the terms to avoid unfair conditions. Scott Law Team assists workers in negotiating employment contracts and challenging overly broad non-compete agreements.
EEOC Complaints and Workplace Investigations
Employees who experience discrimination, harassment, or retaliation can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The process involves:
- Filing a complaint within 180 to 300 days of the violation.
- An EEOC investigation, where the agency reviews employer records and interviews witnesses.
- Mediation or legal action, depending on the EEOC’s findings.
Employees who successfully prove their case may receive compensation for lost wages, job reinstatement, or other damages. Scott Law Team assists workers through the EEOC complaint process to ensure their rights are fully protected.
Payroll Audits and Employer Compliance
Businesses in St. Petersburg must follow payroll and wage laws to avoid legal disputes. Employers should conduct payroll audits to ensure:
- Employees are correctly classified (exempt vs. non-exempt).
- Overtime pay is properly calculated and distributed.
- Wage and hour laws are fully followed.
Failure to comply with wage laws can result in lawsuits, back pay orders, and financial penalties. Scott Law Team provides legal guidance for payroll compliance to help businesses avoid costly disputes while ensuring fair pay for employees.
Employment Lawyers Serving Throughout St. Petersburg
- Downtown St. Petersburg
- Old Northeast
- Kenwood
- Snell Isle
- Shore Acres
- Crescent Heights
- Coquina Key
- Pinellas Point
- Historic Uptown
- Maximo Moorings
- Jungle Terrace
- Bayway Isles
- Venetian Isles
- Allendale
- Historic Roser Park
Speak with a St. Petersburg Employment Attorney
If you are facing workplace discrimination, wage disputes, retaliation, or wrongful termination, a St. Petersburg employment attorney at Scott Law Team can help. Our firm is dedicated to protecting workers’ rights and holding employers accountable for labor law violations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
