Tallahassee Employment Lawyer
Employment Law Protections in Tallahassee
Tallahassee, as Florida’s capital, is home to many government workers, healthcare professionals, and private-sector employees who are protected under state and federal employment laws. Whether you are facing discrimination, wage theft, wrongful termination, or workplace retaliation, you have rights that protect you from unfair employer practices. A Tallahassee employment lawyer can help employees understand these rights and take action when necessary. Scott Law Team represents workers in employment disputes, ensuring they receive fair treatment and compensation for workplace violations.
Workplace Discrimination and Harassment
Both federal and Florida laws prohibit workplace discrimination. Employers cannot base hiring, firing, promotions, or pay decisions on:
- Race, ethnicity, or national origin
- Gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity
- Age (40 and older under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act)
- Disability or medical condition
- Pregnancy or family status
- Religious beliefs
Sexual harassment and hostile work environments are also prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. If an employee is subjected to harassment, unwanted advances, or offensive remarks, they have the right to report the misconduct. Employees who experience discrimination or harassment should first document the incidents, report them to HR or a supervisor, and file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) if necessary.
Scott Law Team helps employees navigate the legal process for discrimination and harassment claims, ensuring their rights are fully protected.
Employee Rights and Florida Labor Laws
Workers in Tallahassee are entitled to several protections under Florida and federal labor laws, including:
- A minimum wage of $12.00 per hour as of 2024, with increases scheduled through 2026.
- Overtime pay for eligible employees working more than 40 hours per week.
- Safe working conditions under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- Medical and family leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for eligible employees.
Employers who fail to meet these obligations can face legal action and financial penalties. Employees who believe their rights have been violated can work with Scott Law Team to hold their employer accountable and seek compensation.
Wage and Overtime Disputes
Wage violations are one of the most common workplace disputes in Florida. Employees in Tallahassee may experience:
- Unpaid overtime, even after working more than 40 hours in a week.
- Misclassification as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits.
- Unauthorized paycheck deductions or failure to meet minimum wage requirements.
If an employee believes they are not being paid fairly, they should review their payroll records and request documentation from their employer. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), workers have two years to file a wage claim, or three years if the employer intentionally violated wage laws.
Scott Law Team aggressively fights for employees in wage theft cases, helping them recover their rightful pay.
Retaliation and Whistleblower Protections
Employees who report illegal or unethical employer practices are protected under Florida’s Whistleblower Act and various federal statutes. Retaliation can take many forms, including:
- Termination or demotion
- Pay cuts or loss of benefits
- Hostile treatment after filing a complaint
In addition, employees who report fraud in government contracts, healthcare programs, or financial transactions may be eligible for compensation under the False Claims Act. If you have been retaliated against for reporting workplace violations, Scott Law Team can help you pursue justice and recover damages.
Wrongful Termination in Florida
Although Florida follows an at-will employment policy, an employer cannot legally fire an employee for:
- Discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected statuses.
- Retaliation for filing a complaint or reporting workplace misconduct.
- Breach of an employment contract that specifies termination conditions.
Employees who believe they were wrongfully terminated should document their dismissal, gather performance reviews, and retain any written communication from their employer. Filing a complaint with the EEOC or FCHR is often a required step before pursuing legal action.
Scott Law Team represents employees in wrongful termination lawsuits, helping them recover lost wages and seek fair compensation.
Non-Compete Agreements and Employment Contracts
Many Tallahassee businesses require employees to sign non-compete agreements, which may limit their ability to work for competitors or start a similar business after leaving a job. However, Florida courts enforce non-compete clauses only if they:
- Are reasonable in duration (typically two years or less).
- Have a defined geographic scope that does not prevent an employee from working.
- Protect a legitimate business interest, such as client relationships or trade secrets.
Employment contracts also include job duties, wages, benefits, and termination terms, so employees should review these agreements carefully before signing. Scott Law Team helps employees negotiate fair contracts and challenge overly restrictive non-compete agreements.
EEOC Complaints and Workplace Investigations
Employees who experience discrimination, harassment, or retaliation can file a charge with the EEOC or FCHR. The complaint process includes:
- Filing a charge within 180–300 days of the violation.
- Investigation by the EEOC, which may include document reviews and interviews.
- Possible mediation, settlement, or legal action depending on the findings.
Employees who win their cases may be entitled to back pay, reinstatement, or damages. Scott Law Team provides legal representation throughout the EEOC process, ensuring that employees’ rights are upheld.
Payroll Audits and Employer Compliance
Employers in Tallahassee must follow strict payroll and wage laws. Payroll audits help businesses identify potential compliance issues before they lead to lawsuits. Employers should:
- Verify correct employee classifications (exempt vs. non-exempt).
- Ensure overtime wages are accurately paid.
- Maintain proper payroll tax reporting to avoid fines and penalties.
Failure to comply with payroll laws can result in government investigations and legal claims. Scott Law Team provides guidance to businesses on payroll compliance while also helping employees recover unpaid wages.
Employment Lawyers Serving Throughout Tallahassee
- Midtown Tallahassee
- Betton Hills
- Killearn Estates
- SouthWood
- Levy Park
- Woodland Drives
- Governor’s Walk
- Piney Z
- Summerbrooke
- Lafayette Park
- Apalachee Ridge
- Lake Jackson
- Bull Run
- Myers Park
- Golden Eagle
Speak with a Tallahassee Employment Attorney
If you are facing workplace discrimination, wage theft, wrongful termination, or retaliation, a Tallahassee employment attorney at Scott Law Team can help. Our firm is dedicated 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.
