Employment Agreements in Florida
1. Definition
An employment agreement is a written contract between an employer and an employee that defines the terms and conditions of employment. Unlike the general at-will relationship in Florida, employment agreements can set specific rights, obligations, and protections for both parties.
These agreements typically cover compensation, job duties, duration of employment, benefits, confidentiality, and, in some cases, non-compete or non-solicitation restrictions.
2. Florida Legal Context
Florida law allows employers and employees to create enforceable contracts, provided they do not violate public policy or employment laws.
Key legal points:
- At-Will Default: Florida is an at-will state, meaning agreements are only necessary if parties want to alter the default rule.
- Non-Competes (Fla. Stat. §542.335): Enforceable if reasonable in time, area, and business interest.
- Wage Protections: Contracts cannot waive statutory rights such as Florida’s minimum wage (Art. X, §24, Fla. Const.).
- Dispute Resolution: Many agreements include arbitration or mediation clauses.
- Written vs. Oral Agreements: Written agreements are enforceable; oral agreements can be valid but harder to prove.
3. Real-World Application
Examples of employment agreements in Florida:
- A Miami technology company offers a senior executive a 3-year employment contract with guaranteed severance if terminated without cause.
- A Tampa healthcare provider signs doctors to agreements with strict non-compete clauses to prevent them from opening competing practices nearby.
- An Orlando startup uses agreements for all new hires to protect confidential information and intellectual property.
4. Why It Matters for Business Owners
Employment agreements are not required in Florida, but they provide important protections.
Why they matter:
- Clarity: Clearly defines expectations for pay, performance, and responsibilities.
- Retention: Incentives like bonuses and severance can help retain key employees.
- Protection: Confidentiality and non-compete clauses safeguard company assets.
- Risk management: Written agreements reduce disputes over employment terms.
Common mistakes Florida businesses make:
- Using overly broad non-competes, making them unenforceable.
- Failing to include dispute resolution clauses.
- Relying on handshake deals instead of written agreements.
Not updating agreements to reflect promotions, pay changes, or new laws.
5. Real-World Florida Examples
- A Sarasota executive successfully sued for unpaid severance because the employer failed to follow the termination provisions in the agreement.
- A Jacksonville law firm enforced a non-compete clause against a former associate who opened a competing practice.
- A Fort Lauderdale restaurant avoided disputes by requiring managers to sign agreements detailing pay structure and termination rights.
6. How Our Law Firm Can Help
At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we help Florida businesses create employment agreements that protect both the business and its employees. Our services include:
- Drafting and reviewing contracts tailored to your business needs
- Advising on enforceable non-compete and confidentiality clauses
- Negotiating executive employment packages
- Adding dispute resolution terms to prevent costly litigation
- Updating agreements to comply with changing Florida and federal laws
We ensure your agreements are enforceable, fair, and protective of your business.
7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Are employment agreements required in Florida?
A: No. Most workers are employed at-will, but agreements are recommended for executives, key employees, and sensitive roles.
Q: Are non-compete clauses enforceable in Florida?
A: Yes, if they are reasonable in duration, geographic scope, and business purpose.
Q: Can agreements waive overtime or minimum wage?
A: No. Statutory rights under FLSA and Florida law cannot be waived.
Q: Do oral agreements count?
A: They can, but written contracts are much easier to enforce.
Q: Why should a lawyer draft my employment agreements?
A: Poorly drafted agreements can be unenforceable. A lawyer ensures your contracts comply with Florida law and protect your business interests.
8. How to Retain Our Law Firm
We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:
- Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
- 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
- 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
- Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)
All services are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.
9. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program
Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.
BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.
At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.
What you get with BELAW:
- On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
- Document review and compliance audits
- Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
- Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
- Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
- Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
- Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
- Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts
We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.
We make it easy to get started:
- Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
- Or fill out the secure contact form below
A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.
10. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain
We make it easy for you to retain us:
- Call or text: (813) 254-1777
- Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
- Or submit your request using the form below
Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.
11. Who You Are Hiring
When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.
A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.
Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.
He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.
Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.
At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.
12. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach
We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.
Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.
From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.
13. Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.