Orlando Wage & Hour Employment Attorneys

Orlando 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 Orlando the right to fair pay, overtime, and protection against wage theft.

Despite these protections, violations are common. Hospitality workers face illegal tip pooling and off-the-clock work, construction crews are often misclassified, and convention and event workers report time shaving that cuts hours from their paychecks. Healthcare staff and delivery drivers also see unpaid overtime and tip issues.

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

Top 5 Wage Violations Orlando 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 Orlando

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

Florida Minimum Wage Increase Schedule – Standard vs. Tipped

These increases are meant to keep wages aligned with the cost of living. Employers in Orlando who do not pay correctly are breaking the law.

If your paycheck does not reflect these minimums, contact USA Employment Lawyers for a free consultation.

Industries in Orlando with Frequent Violations

• Hotels and Tourism – Tip pooling, service charges, split shifts, and unpaid overtime are common in resort and attraction settings.
• Restaurants and Bars – Servers and bartenders face improper tip sharing and off-the-clock prep work.
• Convention and Event Staff – Large events lead to long hours, missed breaks, and time shaving.
• Construction and Skilled Trades – Daily rate pay and contractor labels are used to avoid overtime.
• Retail Employees – Off-the-clock closing tasks and forced unpaid breaks reduce pay.
• Healthcare and Home Care Workers – Long shifts without proper overtime pay.
• Warehouse and Logistics Workers – Docked hours and unpaid overtime.
• Delivery Drivers and Gig Workers – Misclassification, unpaid mileage, and tip theft.
• 1099 Workers and Contractors – Labeled as contractors to avoid wage and benefit obligations.

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

Filing a Wage Claim in Orlando

Workers in Orlando who believe their wage rights have been violated have different options for pursuing a claim. The best approach depends on the type of violation, how much pay is owed, and whether one person or a group of employees is affected.

An experienced wage and hour attorney will review your situation and determine the most effective way to recover the pay you earned. Acting quickly matters because strict deadlines apply, and waiting can limit what you can recover. Save pay stubs, schedules, time records, and any messages about your hours or tips.

Why Workers Choose USA Employment Lawyers

At USA Employment Lawyers, wage and hour law is not just part of what we do, it is our focus. We handle cases involving unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, misclassification, and illegal tip practices.

Specialized in Wage and Hour Law – This is the core of our practice.
Proven Results – We have recovered millions for workers across Orlando and Central Florida.
No Recovery, No Fee – You pay nothing unless we win.
Personalized Attention – Every case gets a tailored strategy and careful review.

We have the experience and track record to hold employers accountable and recover the wages Orlando workers deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can tipped workers in Orlando 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 Orlando?
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 Orlando?
The steps depend on your situation. Some cases focus on off-the-clock tasks or time shaving, while others involve reviewing payroll and time records. An attorney can assess your evidence and guide you through the process.

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 evaluate your duties and pursue a claim.

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

Why are Orlando hospitality and event workers at risk for wage theft?
Orlando’s economy relies on tourism and large events. Workers in resorts, attractions, and convention venues face long hours, service charge issues, and tip pooling practices that can lead to underpayment.

Get the Wage Justice You Deserve in Orlando

If you work in Orlando, whether in a theme park, hotel, restaurant, construction site, retail store, or healthcare, and you believe your employer is not paying you fairly, 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 Orlando and Central Florida recover millions in unpaid wages, and we are ready to fight for you.