Fort Lauderdale Wage & Hour Employment Attorneys

In Fort Lauderdale, every worker deserves fair pay for the hours they put in. Wage and hour laws are designed to protect employees from unfair practices, but violations still happen every day. Unpaid overtime, minimum wage disputes, illegal tip pooling, and misclassification are just a few of the ways employers shortchange their staff. USA Employment Lawyers stands up for Fort Lauderdale workers to recover unpaid wages and stop wage theft. 

Fort Lauderdale workers are protected by Florida’s Minimum Wage Act and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which guarantee minimum wage, overtime pay, and protection against illegal tip practices and misclassification.

Top 5 Wage Violations Fort Lauderdale Workers Face

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

Local Minimum Wage in Fort Lauderdale

Florida’s minimum wage goes up every year until it reaches $15.00 in 2026. After that, it will rise with inflation. For workers in Fort Lauderdale:

Florida Minimum Wage Increase Schedule – Standard vs. Tipped

These increases are meant to keep wages in line with the cost of living. Employers who don’t comply are breaking the law.

Industries in Fort Lauderdale with Frequent Violations

• Restaurants and Hotels – Tip pooling, service charges, and unpaid overtime are common.
• Construction – Widespread misclassification of employees as independent contractors.
• Call Centers and Service Jobs – Time shaving and off-the-clock work are frequent issues.
• 1099 Workers – Many are misclassified to avoid overtime, benefits, and minimum wage protections.
• Pool Technicians – Often paid flat daily rates or treated as contractors when they should be employees.
• Farm Workers and Agricultural Laborers – Wage theft and sub-minimum pay remain common problems.
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers – Frequently underpaid, misclassified, or denied overtime.
• Retail Employees – Off-the-clock work and forced unpaid breaks cut into earnings.
• Healthcare and Home Care Workers – Long shifts without proper overtime pay.
• Delivery Drivers and Gig Workers – Misclassification and tip theft are frequent violations.
• Warehouse and Logistics Workers – Employers sometimes dock hours or fail to pay overtime.
• Hospitality and Event Staff – Service charges withheld instead of being paid to workers.

And more—wage violations can occur in nearly every industry across Fort Lauderdale.

Filing a Wage Claim in Fort Lauderdale

The choice of where to file depends on the details of your case. The size of the claim, the number of workers involved, and the nature of the allegations all factor into which option is most effective.

An experienced wage and hour attorney will evaluate your circumstances and determine whether state court, federal court, or an administrative complaint is the best path to recover the wages you’re owed.

Why Workers Choose USA Employment Lawyers

At USA Employment Lawyers, wage and hour law isn’t just one of many practice areas - it’s our focus. We are highly experienced in handling every type of wage violation, from unpaid overtime and minimum wage disputes to illegal tip pooling and employee misclassification.

• Specialized in Wage and Hour Violations – This is the core of what we do.
• Proven Results – We’ve helped workers across Fort Lauderdale and Broward County recover millions in unpaid wages.
• No Recovery, No Fee – You pay nothing unless we win.
• Personalized Attention – Every case is reviewed and handled with the detail it deserves.

Our attorneys bring the knowledge, strategy, and track record needed to hold employers accountable and recover the pay workers are legally owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Fort Lauderdale in 2025?
The minimum wage in Fort Lauderdale will be $14.00 per hour starting September 30, 2025. This is part of Florida’s scheduled increase toward $15.00 per hour by 2026, after which the rate will adjust each year based on inflation.

Can tipped workers in Fort Lauderdale be paid less than minimum wage?
Yes, but only within limits. As of September 30, 2024, tipped employees must earn at least $9.98 per hour in direct wages. Employers may claim a maximum tip credit of $3.02, but only if the worker’s tips bring their total pay to the full minimum wage of $13.00. If tips fall short, the employer is legally required to make up the difference.

What is the overtime rate for tipped workers in Fort Lauderdale?
Tipped workers must be paid overtime at 1.5 times the full minimum wage, not the lower tipped rate. That means:

• $19.50 per hour in 2024
• $21.00 per hour in 2025
• $22.50 per hour in 2026
  If an employer bases overtime only on the tipped wage, it’s a violation of wage laws.

How do I file an overtime claim in Fort Lauderdale?
You can bring an overtime claim in Florida state court, federal court under the FLSA, or through the U.S. Department of Labor. The best option depends on the details of your case, including the type of violation and the amount of wages owed. An attorney can advise you on the most effective path.

What should I do if I am misclassified?
If you’ve been labeled as an independent contractor but treated like an employee, you may be entitled to overtime, minimum wage, and benefits you weren’t given. An attorney can review your role, correct your classification, and pursue a claim for unpaid wages.

How long do I have to file a wage claim in Fort Lauderdale?
Most wage claims must be filed within two to three years of the violation. Because deadlines vary depending on the law that applies, it’s best to speak with an attorney quickly to protect your rights.

If you believe your employer has underpaid you, contact USA Employment Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our attorneys focus on wage and hour law and will determine the best strategy to recover the pay you’ve earned.