Tampa Employment Lawyers
Workplace disputes can affect your income, your career, and your peace of mind. Florida is an at-will employment state, but state and federal laws still set limits on what an employer can do.
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Award Winning Employment Attorneys in Tampa
If you are dealing with a termination, unpaid wages, discrimination, or a contract issue, an experienced employment attorney in Tampa can explain your rights and your legal options.
Cantrell Schuette represents both employees and employers across the Tampa Bay area from our downtown Tampa office, in the full range of employment law cases. Our employment lawyers handle workplace disputes at every stage, from early counsel through negotiation and employment litigation. This page is part of our broader workplace and employment representation.
Employment Law Representation Across Tampa Bay
As an employment attorney in Tampa, our firm advises clients throughout Hillsborough County and the surrounding communities, including Clearwater and St. Petersburg. We represent employees who face unfair treatment at work, and we counsel employers on how to comply with Florida employment law, including the requirement that Florida employers must comply with federal and state labor laws. Federal employees facing MSPB appeals, EEO complaints, or agency discipline are served by our Tampa federal employment attorneys, who work under the separate federal-sector rules.
Employment Matters
Our Tampa employment attorneys handle a wide range of employment matters:
- Wrongful termination, retaliation, and other employment disputes
- Workplace discrimination, harassment, and hostile work environment claims
- Wage and hour disputes, unpaid wages, and unpaid overtime
- Non-compete, non-solicitation, and employment contracts
- Severance agreements and the review of release terms
- Family and medical leave (FMLA) disputes
Employment claims that reach federal court in this area are generally heard in the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. An employment law attorney on our team can advise whether your matter belongs before a state or federal agency or a court, and what the legal process involves.
Wrongful Termination, Retaliation, and Employee Rights
Because Florida is at-will, an employer can end employment for almost any lawful reason. An employer cannot, however, fire a worker for an unlawful one. Wrongful termination can occur when a firing is based on discrimination, retaliation, or whistleblowing, and employees may sue for wrongful termination under federal laws that protect employee rights.
- Being wrongfully terminated because of a protected characteristic
- Retaliation for reporting discrimination, wage violations, or unlawful treatment, including employees facing retaliation after asserting their rights
- Whistleblowing, since employers cannot retaliate against employees for whistleblowing activities
- A firing that breaches an employment contract
Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation, which can take the form of wrongful termination, demotion, or harassment. Keeping detailed documentation of events helps support a wrongful termination case and protects your workplace rights. It also lets you make informed decisions before taking legal action against a former employer, including holding employers accountable for unlawful conduct.
Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Claims
Federal and Florida law prohibit workplace discrimination across a range of workplace issues. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal laws and protects employees from workplace discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and pregnancy. The Florida Civil Rights Act, enforced by the Florida Commission on Human Relations, adds state protections.
EEOC and FCHR
A discrimination claim generally begins with a filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) within set deadlines, so acting promptly matters. An experienced attorney can evaluate your situation and whether discrimination based on a protected trait played a role in the action against you.
- Discrimination based on race, sex, age, national origin, religion, or disability
- Sexual harassment and unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature
- Hostile work environment and other forms of unfair treatment
- Retaliation against employees who report discrimination
Wage, Hour, and Contract Disputes
The Fair Labor Standards Act sets federal minimum wage and overtime pay standards. Florida has no separate overtime law and follows federal standards, while setting its own minimum wage. Employees owed unpaid wages or unpaid overtime can file complaints with the U.S. Department of Labor, part of the federal government and one of the federal agencies that enforce these rules, or pursue a private claim.
Potential Damages in Wage Claims
Under the FLSA and Florida wage law, workers may recover unpaid wages and liquidated damages for wage violations. Wage disputes also arise over commissions, bonuses, benefits, and the misclassification of employees as exempt or as independent contractors.
- Unpaid overtime and minimum wage violations
- Unpaid commissions and bonuses
- Misclassification of employees and independent contractors
- Non-compete and non-solicitation enforcement under state laws
What Our Clients Say
Employment Lawyers In Tampa, Florida
Our Tampa employment law firm pairs deep knowledge of Florida employment law with experience across the full legal landscape of workplace disputes. As experienced employment attorneys, we give clients practical guidance and clear legal representation. When you work with our firm, you receive focused attention and straightforward guidance:
- Direct access to the attorneys and legal team handling your matter, with support from a legal assistant where needed
- Representation for both employees and employers across our employment practice areas
- Our legal advocates are experienced in state and federal court, including before the EEOC and the National Labor Relations Board
- Communication with your employer and other involved parties on your behalf
- Flat-fee and transparent billing for predictable legal costs
- A clear evaluation of your legal options and potential legal avenues at each stage
- Team members who focus exclusively on employment cases
Speak With an Experienced Attorney Today
Whether you are an employee facing a workplace issue that affects your well-being or an employer seeking guidance on compliance and employment contracts, Cantrell Schuette provides skilled legal representation across the Tampa Bay area and surrounding communities. Early legal review helps protect your right to fair treatment and lets you make informed decisions throughout the process, whether in negotiation or at trial.
Contact Cantrell Schuette today at (877) 858‑6868 or email coordinator@lawcantrell.com to schedule a consultation with an employment attorney in Tampa who understands this market and who can guide you through the entire process.
Tampa Employment FAQs
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What types of employment cases do your Tampa attorneys handle?
Our Tampa employment lawyers represent employees and employers in the following types of matters. Each page explains how Florida and federal law apply to that kind of claim and what your options are.
- Wrongful Termination
- Workplace Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment
- Hostile Work Environment
- Employee Retaliation
- Family & Medical Leave (FMLA)
- Unpaid Overtime & Wages
- Unpaid Commissions & Bonuses
- Non-Compete & Non-Solicit Agreements
- Employment Agreements
- Breach of Employment Contract
- Federal Employees (MSPB / EEO)
What does an employment attorney in Tampa handle?
An employment attorney in Tampa handles workplace matters, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage disputes, non-compete agreements, severance review, and FMLA claims. Our Tampa employment attorneys represent both employees and employers across a broad spectrum of employment law cases throughout the region.
How do I know if I have an employment claim?
If you faced an adverse action such as termination, demotion, or unpaid wages tied to an unlawful reason, you may have an employment claim. An employment attorney in Tampa can review the facts, explain the legal process, and outline the potential legal avenues. Employment claims must be filed within specific statutes of limitations, so addressing an employment issue early matters.
What are my rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act?
The FLSA requires most employers to pay non-exempt employees at least minimum wage and overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Florida follows federal overtime standards. If your employer committed wage violations, you may be able to recover unpaid wages, liquidated damages, and attorney fees.
Can my employer enforce a non-compete agreement in Florida?
Generally, yes. Under Florida Statute § 542.335, a non-compete, non-solicit, or non-disclosure agreement is enforceable if it is in writing and signed by the employee, supports a legitimate business interest (such as confidential information, substantial customer relationships, goodwill, or specialized training), and is reasonable in time, geographic area, and scope. Florida courts, including those in Hillsborough County, generally favor enforcement when those requirements are met, so the specific language of your agreement matters. Our Tampa non-compete attorneys review, negotiate, and litigate these agreements and can tell you where yours is likely vulnerable.
How do I choose the right employment lawyer in Tampa?
When choosing a Tampa employment lawyer, look for a firm that dedicates a significant part of its practice to labor and employment law and has handled cases like yours. Employment law involves specific statutes such as the Florida Civil Rights Act, so practice focus matters.
When is a termination illegal in Tampa?
Florida is an at-will state, so an employer can usually end employment for any reason or no reason. A termination becomes unlawful when the reason is one the law prohibits:
- Discrimination based on race, sex, age, national origin, disability, religion, pregnancy, or another protected characteristic under Title VII or the Florida Civil Rights Act.
- Retaliation for protected activity, such as reporting discrimination, filing a wage complaint, requesting FMLA leave, or reporting illegal conduct.
- Breach of an employment contract that promised employment for a set term or allowed termination only for cause.
If any of these describes your situation, our Tampa wrongful termination lawyers can evaluate the claim and the deadlines that apply.
What can I do if my Tampa employer has not paid my commissions or bonuses?
Start by reviewing your employment agreement or commission plan for how and when payments are earned. Verbal commission and bonus agreements are also enforceable in Florida. Then ask your employer, in writing, when payment will be made so there is a record of the request. If the employer still refuses, you may have a claim for breach of contract, unpaid wages, or both, and Florida law may allow recovery of attorney fees in unpaid wage cases. Our Tampa unpaid commissions attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for employees across Tampa Bay.
How do I file a discrimination or harassment complaint in Tampa?
Document what happened with dates, names, and any messages, and report it internally if your employer has a complaint process. Discrimination and harassment claims must then be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which has a Tampa field office, or with the Florida Commission on Human Relations before a lawsuit can be brought. In Florida the EEOC deadline is generally 300 days from the discriminatory act and the FCHR deadline is 365 days, so acting quickly matters. Our Tampa discrimination attorneys and hostile work environment lawyers handle the agency filing and, when necessary, litigation in state or federal court.