Employment Lawyer St. Petersburg, FL

Workplace Discrimination and Wrongful Termination

Both federal and state law prohibit workplace discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects against discrimination in employment, and the Americans with Disabilities Act adds further protections. The Florida Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on several protected characteristics:

• Race, color, religion, sex, and national origin
• Age and disability
• Pregnancy, marital status, and related conditions

Wrongful termination often overlaps with discrimination or retaliation. When an employer chooses to terminate employees for an unlawful reason, the worker may have a claim. Review the signs you may have been wrongfully terminated.

Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment

Sexual harassment and a hostile work environment are forms of unlawful discrimination. Conduct severe or pervasive enough to affect employment can support a claim, whether from a supervisor, coworker, or third party.

• Unwanted advances, comments, or requests tied to employment
• Offensive conduct that creates a hostile work environment
• Retaliation after reporting harassment to the employer

Wage and Hour Violations and Unpaid Wages

The Fair Labor Standards Act sets federal rules for minimum wage and overtime, and Florida law adds its own wage protections. When employers fail to follow them, employees may be owed unpaid wages and unpaid compensation.

• Unpaid overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a week
• Minimum wage violations and off-the-clock work
• Misclassification of employees to avoid overtime
• Unpaid commissions, bonuses, and final wages

Our attorneys handle wage and hour claims and disputes over commissions and bonuses for employees across St. Petersburg.

Non-Compete Agreements and Restrictive Covenants

Many workers sign non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants without understanding how far they reach. Florida courts enforce reasonable restrictions but may limit terms broader than necessary.

• Reviewing non-compete agreements before you sign
• Assessing whether a restrictive covenant is enforceable
• Defending or pursuing unfair competition claims

Severance Agreements and Employment Contracts

A severance agreement is a binding contract that often asks an employee to release legal claims in exchange for pay. Reviewing the terms before signing helps protect your rights.

• Release of claims and confidentiality terms
• Non-disparagement clauses and continued benefits
• Employment contract and offer letter review

We help clients understand what they are signing and negotiate terms for their specific needs.

Commercial Litigation and Employer Representation

We also represent Florida employers and businesses. From compliance to commercial litigation, our attorneys help businesses manage risk and resolve disputes.

• Developing workplace policies that comply with employment laws
• Advising on how to terminate employees lawfully
• Defending discrimination, wage, and contract disputes
• Handling commercial litigation tied to employment matters