Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Defenses Florida Companies Use to Fight a Race Discrimination Claim
When a Florida employer engages in racial discrimination with workplace operations, there are consequences for the company and legal remedies for the employee. It is possible for a worker to recover monetary damages, including amounts for back pay, front pay, interest, and pain and suffering. You may have grounds to file a charge if… Read More »
Filing a Florida Versus Federal Employment Discrimination Charge
No matter what type of discrimination you suffered at work, there is a specific legal process for enforcing your rights under both US and Florida statutes. The most common law that employers violate is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, but there are many others. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Florida… Read More »
Look Beyond the Agreement for Independent Contractor Status
When you embark on a new professional opportunity with a company in Florida, you might be asked to sign a contract that covers the details of your relationship. Written agreements are effective in establishing the arrangement between the parties, but you may be concerned when the document states that you are an independent contractor… Read More »
Can I be Fired While on Leave under FMLA?
There are numerous laws at the state and federal level that protect employees in the workplace in Florida, and one in particular applies to your rights when you need time off from your job. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you are permitted to take a leave of absence if you qualify…. Read More »
What are Florida Employment Laws on Drug Testing in the Workplace?
Florida is one of many US states that allows marijuana for medical reasons, and there are even initiatives to get approval to use cannabis for recreational purposes. Between marijuana that is illegal for some and controlled substances that are illegal for all, it can be confusing to understand your rights under employment laws. As… Read More »
Employment Laws That Do Not Apply to Small Employers in Florida
No matter how long you have been part of the workforce, you are aware that there are various laws at the federal and state level that protect you as an employee. Some are statutes that are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). These agencies… Read More »
Florida Employment Laws on Meal and Rest Breaks
Meal and rest breaks offer a welcome respite to take a step away from your work duties, but there is a lot of confusion over employer obligations and employee rights on the topic. The primary law that dictates wages and hours is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a federal law that applies to… Read More »
Can I Recover Damages for Wrongful Termination in Florida?
Florida follows the concept known as employment at will just like other US states, providing that an employer can terminate an employee at any time, for any reason. However, there are limitations on this default rule. A company cannot fire a worker for reasons that are against the law, including those on discrimination in… Read More »
Status on Changes to Noncompete Agreements in Employment Law
It seems unfair that a Florida employer could prevent you from being hired by a competitor or working for another company in a similar position to what you do now. This unfairness is exactly what officials aim to address through a proposal to prohibit noncompete agreements in the workplace. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)… Read More »
Questions Regarding Independent Contractor v. Employee Status in Florida
Independent contractors are treated differently from employees under federal and Florida employment laws, and the distinctions run deeper than the W-2 or 1099 you receive for tax purposes. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must comply with regulations on wages and hours, including minimum wage and overtime. Companies are required to extend… Read More »