
Florida’s employment laws are designed to protect workers from unfair hiring practices, including discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and disability; illegal wage deductions; and termination of employment without cause or notice. Before you sign any contracts or job offers with potential employers in the state, make sure you have an understanding of Florida’s employment laws. Here are some key things you should know about the Fl employment law before you apply for your next job in Florida.
What are your rights as an employee?
In general, employees can’t be fired because of their race, religion, national origin, age (if they’re at least 40 years old), pregnancy, disability or genetic information. If an employer does fire someone because of one of these characteristics then it is considered discriminatory and the employee may have rights under the law.
What can happen if I get fired for unjust cause?
If an employer fires an employee without just cause, the employer will have to pay the terminated employee all wages that were due, including accrued vacation time, and provide benefits such as accrued sick leave. If they don’t comply with this requirement, they will be liable for a penalty of double the amount owed up to $10,000 per violation.
Do I have to sign a noncompete clause when I start my job in Florida?
Non-competes are agreements that prevent an employee from competing with their employer after they leave the company. These agreements can be made verbally or written, and they can come as part of an employment contract or offer letter, or as a separate document.
What’s Florida’s at-will doctrine and how does it affect my employment agreement?
Fl employment law has an at-will doctrine that means employees can be terminated at any time, and the employer doesn’t have to give a reason. However, if the employee is fired because of discrimination, then they may have legal recourse.
How long am I required to give notice before leaving my job with?
The notice of termination required depends on the length of time the employee has been with the company and his or her occupation.
Employees who have been employed by the company for less than six months must give at least one week’s notice before quitting, while employees who have been employed more than six months are required to give two weeks’ notice before quitting. Employees who fall into neither category must give at least three days’ notice before leaving their employment.