Jacksonville Wage & Hour Employment Attorneys

Jacksonville wage and hour employment attorneys protect workers from unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, tip theft, and misclassification. Florida’s Minimum Wage Act and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guarantee employees in Jacksonville the right to fair pay, overtime, and protection against wage theft.

Despite these laws, violations are common. Hospitality workers face illegal tip pooling, construction crews are often misclassified, and call center employees report time shaving that cuts hours from their pay. Healthcare staff, warehouse workers, and delivery drivers also experience unpaid overtime and improper pay practices.

USA Employment Lawyers helps Jacksonville workers recover lost wages and hold employers accountable.

Top 5 Wage Violations Jacksonville 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 labeled a contractor when you are really an employee.
5. Time Shaving – Employers cutting recorded hours to reduce pay.

Local Minimum Wage in Jacksonville

Florida’s minimum wage increases each year until it reaches $15.00 per hour in 2026. After that, it adjusts annually with inflation. For Jacksonville workers:

Florida Minimum Wage Increase Schedule – Standard vs. Tipped

Employers in Jacksonville must comply with these wage laws. If your paycheck does not match the current minimums, it may be a violation.

Industries in Jacksonville with Frequent Violations

• Restaurants and Hotels – Tip pooling, service charges, and unpaid overtime are common.
• Construction and Skilled Trades – Daily rate pay and contractor misclassification deny overtime.
• Call Centers – Time shaving and unpaid overtime are frequent.
• Healthcare and Home Care Workers – Long shifts often go unpaid at overtime rates.
• Warehouse and Logistics Workers – Docked hours and missed overtime pay
• Retail Employees – Off-the-clock closing tasks and unpaid breaks reduce earnings.
• Delivery Drivers and Gig Workers – Misclassification, unpaid mileage, and tip theft.
• 1099 Workers and Contractors – Misclassified to avoid wage protections.

And more — wage violations can occur in nearly every industry in Jacksonville.

Filing a Wage Claim in Jacksonville

Workers in Jacksonville who believe they have been underpaid have several options to pursue a claim. The right path depends on the type of violation, how much money is owed, and whether one person or a group of workers is involved.

An experienced wage and hour attorney will evaluate your case and determine the most effective strategy to recover the pay you are owed. Acting quickly is important because strict deadlines apply. Keep pay stubs, time records, schedules, and any communication about hours or tips to strengthen your claim.

Why Workers Choose USA Employment Lawyers

At USA Employment Lawyers, wage and hour law is the focus of our practice. We have deep experience in cases involving unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, misclassification, and tip theft.

• Specialized in Wage and Hour Law – This is our core practice area.
• Proven Results – We have recovered millions for workers across Jacksonville and Duval County.
• 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 know how to hold employers accountable and recover the wages Jacksonville workers legally earned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Jacksonville in 2025?
Starting September 30, 2025, the minimum wage in Jacksonville will be $14.00 per hour, with an increase to $15.00 in 2026.

Can tipped workers in Jacksonville be paid less than minimum wage?
Yes, but only if tips bring total pay up to the full minimum wage. As of September 30, 2024, tipped workers must receive at least $9.98 per hour in direct wages, and employers may claim a $3.02 tip credit.

What is the overtime rate for tipped workers in Jacksonville?
Overtime must be based on the full minimum wage, not the tipped rate. That equals $19.50 in 2024, $21.00 in 2025, and $22.50 in 2026.

How do I file an overtime claim in Jacksonville?
The process depends on your situation. Some claims involve off-the-clock tasks or time shaving, while others require reviewing payroll and time records. An attorney can guide you through the steps and build your case.

What should I do if I am misclassified?
If you are scheduled and supervised like an employee but labeled as a contractor, you may be owed back wages and overtime. A lawyer can review your duties and pursue a claim.

How long do I have to file a wage claim in Jacksonville?
Most claims must be filed within two to three years of the violation. The exact deadline depends on the type of claim and whether the violation was willful.

Why are Jacksonville hospitality and call center workers at risk for wage theft?
Because Jacksonville’s economy relies heavily on service and logistics, workers in these industries face higher risks of unpaid overtime, time shaving, and improper tip practices.

Get the Wage Justice You Deserve in Jacksonville

If you are a worker in Jacksonville, whether in hospitality, construction, healthcare, retail, logistics, or call centers, and you believe your employer has underpaid you, contact USA Employment Lawyers for a free consultation. Call our office or fill out our online form to speak with attorneys who fight for fair pay. We have helped workers across Jacksonville and North Florida recover millions in unpaid wages, and we are ready to fight for you.