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Florida

Florida Employment Lawyers 

If you work in Florida, you have the right to be paid fairly. Employers must follow state and federal wage laws, but many do not. Wage theft happens when your employer withholds pay, does not pay overtime, or cuts hours from your paycheck.

At USA Employment Lawyers, we focus only on wage and hour cases. If your paycheck does not look right, we can help you recover the wages you have earned. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay us unless we win your case.

Top 5 Wage Violations in Florida

These are the most common ways Florida workers lose money:

  1. Unpaid Overtime – Not receiving time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a week.
  2. Minimum Wage Violations – Being paid less than Florida’s legal hourly minimum.
  3. Illegal Tip Pooling – Tips taken by managers or shared with non-tipped staff.
  4.  Misclassification – Being called an independent contractor or salary exempt when you should get overtime.
  5.  Time Shaving – Employers reducing hours on timesheets to lower paychecks

If any of these sound familiar, your employer may owe you back pay plus damages.

Florida Minimum Wage Schedule

Florida’s minimum wage is increasing every year until it reaches $15.00 per hour in 2026. 

Year

Minimum Wage

Tipped Wage

Maximum Tip Credit

Overtime Rate

Sept. 2024

$13.00

$9.98

$3.02

$19.50

Sept. 2025

$14.00

$10.98

$3.02

$21.00

Sept. 2026

$15.00

$11.98

$3.02

$22.50

If your paycheck does not reflect these numbers, your employer is breaking the law.

Your Rights Under Florida and Federal Law

Florida workers are protected by both state law and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). You have the right to:

  •  Earn at least the Florida minimum wage.
  • Be paid overtime (1.5x) for more than 40 hours per week.
  • Receive full pay for all hours worked, including before or after shifts.
  • Keep your own tips. Managers cannot take them.
  • File a claim without retaliation from your employer.

Deadline: Wage claims must usually be filed within two years (three years for willful violations). Do not wait. Time limits are strict.

Florida Unpaid Wages and Overtime FAQ

Can your firm sue my employer for unpaid wages in Florida?
Yes. If your employer owes you unpaid wages, overtime, or tips, we will file and handle the claim or lawsuit for you.

Do I have to pay your firm up front or out of pocket?
No. We work on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

How far back can I recover unpaid wages or overtime in Florida?
Normally, you can recover wages from the last two years. If your employer willfully violated the law, we may be able to go back three years.

What proof or records do I need for my case?
Pay stubs, time records, schedules, and emails or texts about hours and pay are useful. Our team helps gather and organize the evidence for you.

I’m salaried and my employer says I’m exempt. Can you challenge that?
Yes. Salary status alone does not decide overtime eligibility. We will review your job duties and pay structure to determine if you were misclassified.

Can you help with tip violations, like illegal tip pooling?
Yes. If managers or non-tipped staff took your tips, we will calculate what you should have received and pursue recovery.

What about time shaving?
If your employer is cutting hours from your timesheet, we will investigate, rebuild your actual hours worked, and seek recovery of your missing pay.

What if my employer retaliates against me?
It is illegal for your employer to fire, demote, or punish you for asserting your wage rights. If this happens, we will include a retaliation claim.

How long does it take to resolve my case?
Some cases settle in a few months. If litigation is required, it may take longer. We keep you updated and push to recover your wages as quickly as possible.

How do I start a wage claim with your firm?
Contact us for a free consultation. We review your hours and pay, explain your options, and file your claim. You pay nothing unless we win.

Cities We Serve in Florida

At USA Employment Lawyers, we represent workers in wage and hour cases across Florida, including:

If your city is not listed, we can still help. We represent workers statewide.

Why Workers Choose USA Employment Lawyers

  • We represent employees in every industry across Florida.
  • We fight for unpaid wages, overtime, and tips.
  • We protect employees from retaliation when they stand up for themselves.
  • We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs to you.

Start Your Florida Wage Claim Today

You work hard. You deserve every dollar you earn. If your employer is not paying you fairly, do not wait.

Call USA Employment Lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Choose USA Employment Lawyers?

  • Quick & Methodical Results
  • Open Communication with Clients
  • Led by a Former Prosecutor
  • Personalized Representation
  • Free & Confidential Case Evaluations
  • Utilizing an Ethical Approach

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