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Florida Employment Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: What are the laws regarding termination of an emplyee contract?

My husband was hired by a company as an independent contractor. He was told that this means no benifits and no taxes taken out of his check. He agreed to those terms and signed the contract, however he was used as an employee. He worked 9-5 Mon - Friday under their supervision. He was never treated... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Oct 18, 2024

Because your husband has been working 9-5, he is an employee, even though the employment agreement calls him an independent contractor. He is owed benefits.

As far as firing is concerned, because Florida is an at-will state, meaning both employers and employees can terminate the agreement...
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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Florida on
Q: My wife was at an after hours mandatory work function and has been injured. What recourse do we have?

After hours team building time at an indoor recreational location with go carts, lazar tag, games….. she was required to sign a waiver for the establishment but nothing for work? At this time she was knocked out and ejected from a go cart and was seen by an ambulance but in an effort to save... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Oct 16, 2024

In Florida, signing a waiver can complicate a personal injury case, but it doesn't necessarily mean she can't pursue a claim.

Waivers often limit liability for businesses, but they may not cover all types of injuries or activities. It's important to review the specific...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: I was held at knifepoint at my last job. Is there anything I can do to be compensated for me having to leave my job?

I had to leave because the guy who held me at knifepoint was the favorite employee and kept his job. I did file a complaint to HR which they finally fired him after I left, however in between that time I was continually scheduled with my attacker and forced to work with him. For about a week I was... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Sep 9, 2024

Though you resigned, it might be considered to be a "constructive discharge" due to you having no choice but to leave. If you are eligible for reemployment assistance (unemployment comp) based on how long you worked there, see if you can apply for such assistance based on constructive... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Florida on
Q: I am on long-term disability through my employer. The company that manages the benefits is UNUM.

I am trying to understand if UNUM has the power to interpret the terms of the policy freely. Specifically, if a glossary term is defined in the policy, do they have the power to interpret that term how they want to determine eligibility.

The policy certificate states the the benefits are... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 2, 2024

An attorney who has experience with ERISA plans could probably advise you best here, but your question remains open for two weeks. As a general matter in insurance practice, the underwriters and claims departments do have the power to interpret the terms of a policy, as do attorneys who represent... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: Is a third party constented search of my backpack within someone else's car at work by an employer legal in florida?
Rod Caruco
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answered on May 22, 2024

That depends on the circumstances of each individual case, but it can be. There are often more lenient rules when an employer, rather than the State, seeks to conduct a search. Some factors to your question include, but are not limited to: what type of employer, reason for the search, location of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Florida on
Q: My employer had me lie about my age

I am 16 and they told me to put 18

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 15, 2024

It is never a good idea to lie because your employer told you to. There are certain limitations on the employment of minors that do not apply to adults. Depending on the nature of the document or the situation, lying about your age could deprive you of these protections and could result in civil... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law, Tax Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Florida on
Q: My ex husband and I ran a live shrimp company from 1997 til we divorced in 2008 .

My question is we had filed our taxes jointly although he was listed as sole proprietor. Now I became disabled in Sept 2020 and because of him being listed as sole proprietor I did not get the tax credits for those 9 years . We had an accountant that did it that way and now I was told they needed... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 26, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It seems like you have a complex tax issue that needs to be addressed. Here are a few steps you might consider taking:

1. Consult a tax professional: Given the complexity of your situation, it's best to seek advice from a qualified tax...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: My wife was accused of discrimination at work at Starbucks

Way they went at it I feel they violated her rights

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

I understand that this is a difficult and concerning situation for you and your wife. Discrimination accusations are serious matters that can have significant consequences for all parties involved. It's important to approach the situation calmly and gather as much information as possible. Here... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Florida on
Q: I sustained an injury at my previous job five years ago, and workers' compensation covered the foot surgery. I was out

I sustained an injury at my previous job five years ago, and workers' compensation covered the foot surgery. I was out of work for 10 months, but now, six months after separating from the company, I have a significant lump where the surgery was performed, and the pain has returned. Since I no... View More

Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
answered on Apr 15, 2024

The answer depends on a lot of factors. There are too many to list here. There is a 2-year statute of limitations to file a workers' compensation claim. Therefore, it is important to determine if your claim is still viable after 5 years. You need to determine if your case is still open or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: Is there a way for me to leave my job and stay in the country to take care of my baby?

I am on an L1A visa and my husband L2A since Nov 2022. We had a baby Nov 2023 and bought a house also. I’m not able to work full time and take care of my baby.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

As an L1A visa holder, your status is tied to your employment with the company that sponsored your visa. If you leave your job, your L1A status will no longer be valid, and consequently, your husband's L2A status will also be affected. However, there are a few potential options you can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Contracts, Adoption and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Back in 2002 did an employee from DCF have the authority or jurisdiction to preform the CPI aspect,in Polk,Fl.?

Does an employee of DCF or it's CBC entity have authority to do the performance of CPI investigations and the removing children without a warrant,to never allowing reunification.Acting as a fill in.In 2002

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

In 2002, employees of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Florida, including those in Polk County, were indeed involved in child protective investigations (CPI). These investigations are a critical part of the efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of children. The DCF, along with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Health Care Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: what happens if I am supervising someone whose Provisional Mental health license has just expired

I am a licensed Psychologist and have been supervising a person who held a provisional license. A condition of his employment with me was that he take his exam. Regardless of reminders and pressure from me, he did not take the exam until last week (this has gone on for two years now). He found out... View More

Shayla N. Waldon
Shayla N. Waldon
answered on Mar 27, 2024

I believe that the answer here is dependent on a number of factors, including the person's specific role, as well as how you may have defined the terms and conditions of employment in any offer provided to the person. These are things that a potential plaintiff can hang his/her hat on to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: Pay billable after resignation that were billed months prior

I am resigning from a law firm in Florida that I have required billables (workers comp), but payment from those billable hours can take up to 3 months sometimes. Am I entitled to everything I billed for before my resignation. My firm only wants to pay what ever comes in up to my last day and... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Mar 27, 2024

The answer is in your employment agreement. The question you want to ask is on what ground the firm may have to pay you until your last day. Isn't the last day normally after the resignation day?

Anyways, it seems that this is a breach of contract case. You should examine your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Employment Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: the TSA is investigating a violation of the TSR title 49 CFR 1540.105 a violation of regs for civil penalty for 14,950

Test was given at my post which I failed on purpose to inevitibly quit my position at FLL now they what to file civil penalties against me. when anyone whose has failed before is just given a slap on the wrist. I would like to what actions i should take in protecting myself and if it is legal to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

If you are facing an investigation or civil penalties from the TSA, particularly regarding a situation at your workplace like the one described, it's critical to seek legal advice from an attorney familiar with employment and administrative law, especially those who have experience with TSA... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Florida on
Q: I was a former employee of 7-11 for about 3 to 4 years I was attacked by a customer.

The night before I was attacked the same customer threatened me and threw all type of items at me that were displayed on the counter. I reported the incident to my manager nothing was done about it. Because the next night I was attacked by the same person in the store.

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Mar 9, 2024

I have never seen a case in Florida where an employee can sue his employer for damages suffered in a third-party criminal attack on the job based on security negligence. The normal remedy that an employee has for damages that occur on the job is workers comp. Additionally, you can sue the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Florida on
Q: I was a former employee of 7-11 for about 3 to 4 years I was attacked by a customer.

The night before I was attacked the same customer threatened me and threw all type of items at me that were displayed on the counter. I reported the incident to my manager nothing was done about it. Because the next night I was attacked by the same person in the store.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 9, 2024

If you were attacked by a customer while working at 7-11 and had previously reported threats from the same individual to your manager, you may have grounds for legal action against your employer. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for their employees and to take... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Employment Law, Collections and Small Claims for Florida on
Q: My wages were garnished but I don't make enough money to be garnished, what do I do?

I have multiple judgements against me from different debts but same law firm. I don't make enough money for my wages to be garnished and haven't in years. The law firm reached out to my employer and threatened that if they don't garnish my wages then they'll attempt to garnish... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

Facing wage garnishment when your income does not meet the legal requirements for such action can be distressing. First, it's important to understand that federal and state laws provide specific protections for individuals in your situation. For instance, there are limits to how much of your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Florida on
Q: Can I terminate a contract that I have regret for being signed for 3days while the due date is not end
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Mar 3, 2024

No, unless the contract provides otherwise, you cannot disavow it simply because you have changed your mind. If it fails to provide when payments are due (or, as you put it, "the due date is not end"), the payments may be due immediately; it would depend upon the other terms, or the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Business Law, Federal Crimes and Health Care Law for Florida on
Q: Can I file a suit for insurance fraud against my ex-employer?

I was terminated on 12/15/2023. The day before I needed to be taken to the ER via ambulance, and made a claim on my employer provided medical insurance. Normally i would be paid via direct deposit by paylocity, the companies payroll company, yet I was mailed a hand written paper check. A couple... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 27, 2024

If you believe your ex-employer has committed insurance fraud by misrepresenting your termination date to deny a legitimate insurance claim, you might have grounds to take legal action. The situation you described, where premiums were deducted from your paycheck but the benefits were denied due to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Banking for Florida on
Q: My girlfriend has been offered a job but it seems like a scam.

My girlfriend has been offered a job but it seems like a scam. They sent over a check for her to buy some equipment so we’ve deposited it but now the employer seems very sketchy. She has not filled out any formal agreements or given any important personal info. They are asking her to buy 2 Apple... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

It's concerning that your girlfriend received a job offer that seems suspicious. Depositing a check and being asked to purchase equipment or vouchers for work is a common tactic used in scams. It's wise that she hasn't provided any personal information or signed formal agreements... View More

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