- Employment Agreements
- Independent Contractor Agreements
- Severance Agreements
Employment and independent contractor agreements define terms and conditions of your working relationship, including compensation, duties, duration, and termination provisions.
Sometimes, employees are misclassified as independent contractors, which can affect their benefits, taxes, and other legal protections. We offer comprehensive legal support to resolve these issues.
A severance agreement outlines terms of an employee’s departure from the company, including pay, benefits continuation, confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation restrictions, return of company property and releasing your claims against your employer.
Understanding and negotiating these terms is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring fair treatment. We can help you navigate the complexities of these agreements, whether you are starting a new job, transitioning roles, leaving a job or facing a dispute with your employer. We will review your contract, identify any potential issues, negotiate favorable terms on your behalf or assist you if you believe your agreement has been breached or violated by your employer.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Contracts, Independent Contractor Agreements, and Severance Agreements in Florida
Are written employment contracts required in Florida?
No. Most employment in Florida is “at-will,” meaning you can be fired or you can quit at any time for any lawful reason, unless a contract says otherwise. But if a written contract exists, its terms may override “at-will” rules.
What should I look for in an employment contract?
- Job title and responsibilities
- Salary and benefits
- Work schedule and location
- Termination clauses and notice periods
- Non-compete or non-solicitation clauses
- Dispute resolution procedures (e.g., waiver of jury trial, mandatory arbitration)
How is an independent contractor different from an employee?
Employees are subject to employer control and receive benefits, while independent contractors work more independently. Misclassification is a serious issue. Just because a contract calls you an independent contractor does not mean you are one under the law.
Can an independent contractor be held to a non-compete in Florida?
Yes. Florida law allows non-competes for both independent contractors and employees.
Am I entitled to severance under Florida law?
No. Florida law does not require severance pay unless your contract says otherwise. However, employers sometimes offer severance voluntarily in exchange for a release of claims.
Should I sign a severance agreement right away?
You should only sign any document after you have read it carefully and understand its terms, including the legal impact and obligations that it will impose upon you.
Can I negotiate a severance agreement?
It depends on the employer’s willingness to negotiate. However, you can often negotiate for more pay, extended benefits, neutral references, or changes to confidentiality or non-compete clauses.
Does a severance agreement waive my right to unemployment benefits?
Not necessarily. You may still qualify for unemployment benefits unless you resigned voluntarily or were fired for misconduct. However, severance pay can disqualify an individual from receiving unemployment benefits for the weeks that the severance pay covers.
