California Bans “Stay-or-Pay” Employment Contracts, but Florida Workers Still Need to Watch Out
California passed a groundbreaking new law banning so-called “stay-or-pay” contracts, which require employees to repay their employer for training costs or other expenses if they leave their job. The California law, effective January 1, 2026, will make it illegal for employers in California to impose exit fees or training repayment agreements that...
Amazon Sued for Discrimination Against Pregnant and Disabled Workers
Employers are legally required to accommodate workers’ medical and pregnancy-related needs without punishment or retaliation. The New Jersey Attorney General recently sued Amazon.com, Inc., alleging that the company discriminated against pregnant and disabled warehouse workers by refusing reasonable accommodations and, in some cases, firing workers for requesting them.
Workers...
The NLRB: What It Can and Cannot Do for Florida Workers
When faced with unfair treatment at work, many workers turn to government agencies for help. One agency many employees turn to is the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB plays an important role in protecting workers’ rights, but its authority is very narrow. It is not a “catch-all” workplace agency, and...
Artificial Intelligence and Automation in Florida Workplaces: Legal Considerations
Artificial intelligence (“AI”) and automation are no longer futuristic concepts. They are widely used today, and have changed the way many businesses operate in Florida and across the United States. From AI-driven hiring platforms to workplace automation, these tools may promise efficiency and cost savings, but they also raise significant legal concerns...
Service Animals in the Workplace: What Florida Workers Need to Know
Service animals can play an important role in helping employees with disabilities remain employed and perform their jobs effectively.
In many cases, the use of a service animal is a valid workplace accommodation when the animal is trained to perform tasks related to the worker’s disability. Here are a...
Religious Accommodations at Work: Recent Case Examples
Employees are entitled under Florida and federal law to reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs. Yet, many employees struggle to hold jobs that have rules or policies that conflict with their religion. Even seemingly minor issues, like a dress code exception, can quickly escalate into termination, throwing someone’s life into turmoil.
Who is GINA, and How Does She Protect Florida Workers?
GINA is not a person. GINA stands for the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on genetic information. It applies to companies with 15 or more employees.
When most people think about workplace discrimination, they often think of race, gender,...
OSHA Retaliation: What Florida Workers Need to Know
Every worker has the right to a safe workplace. But what happens when a worker speaks up about safety problems, and their employer punishes them for it?
That is retaliation, and it is against the law. Unfortunately, many workers do not realize they only have 30 days to report...
OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program: Protecting Your Right to Speak Up
Employees are often the first to notice unsafe conditions, financial fraud, or threats to public health. Without legal protection, many workers would stay silent. Whistleblower laws encourage employees to speak up, which keeps workplaces safer, companies more accountable, and the public better protected.
OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program enforces over...
The Hidden TRAP in Your Employment Contract: What Workers Need to Know About Repayment Agreements
Employers are increasingly using a new tactic to gain leverage over their workers: Training Repayment Agreement Provisions, or TRAPs. These contract terms require employees to repay their employer for costs such as training or other expenses if they leave their job.
TRAPs often demand large repayment amounts regardless of...
