Author Archives: Jay Butchko
An Overview of the DOL’s Most Recent Tip Pooling Guidance
On September 30th, 2025, the United States Department of Labor released guidance on specific issues related to tip pooling by employers. The matter in question involved front-house oyster shuckers at a restaurant. In this article, you will find an overview of the issue, the DOL’s guidance, and the implications for tip pooling more broadly… Read More »
Candidate for Attorney General Calls Wage Theft a Crisis in Florida
According to a report from WLRN, a Florida candidate for Attorney General is calling wage theft a “crisis” in the state that requires far more attention from authorities. José Javier Rodríguez (Democrat) rallied with worker rights advocates and emphasized his view that more needs to be done to address the fact that employees are… Read More »
Are Employers in Florida Required to Keep Sensitive Employee Data Confidential?
Employers often have a lot of sensitive information about job applicants and employees, including things like phone numbers, addresses, Social Security numbers (SSNs), and even medical records. This raises an important question: Are employers required to keep sensitive employee data confidential? The answer is “yes.” In this article, you will find an overview of… Read More »
Florida is Now an Open-Carry State (What Does that Mean for Employers)
Recently, a Florida appeals court struck down a law that barred open-carry in the state (McDaniels v. State of Florida). State leaders have already indicated that they do not plan to appeal. As such, the case is effectively over and will not go to the Florida Supreme Court. Employers may want to consider reviewing… Read More »
Common Provisions in Employment Contracts for Physicians in Florida
Florida is an at-will employment state. The relationship between an employer and employee is presumed to be fully voluntary. It can be ended by either party at any time, but for an illegal reason. With that being said, parties have the right to enter an employment contract. Many doctors in Florida work under employment… Read More »
Bill in Florida Introduced to Extend State’s Strict E-Verify Rules to All Employers
Florida has one of the most comprehensive E-verify laws in the entire country. It applies to employers with 25 or more employees. Recently, a state lawmaker introduced legislation to extend that E-verify law to every employer in the state. House Bill 197 (HB 197) would make Florida the first state to require all private… Read More »
Are Employers in Florida Required By Law to Provide Lunch Breaks?
Are you a full-time employee in Florida? You may be wondering if you are entitled to a lunch break as a matter of law. The answer is “no”—unless you are a minor. Florida does not require lunch breaks for adult employees (paid or unpaid). In this article, you will find an overview of the… Read More »
Three Things Executive Employees Should Consider Before Signing a Non-Compete in Florida
Florida recently passed a bill making it easier for employers to enforce non-compete agreements (CHOICE Act). As many executives are asked to sign employment contracts with non-competes, and because these agreements are easier for companies to enforce, a comprehensive review is a must. In this article, you will find an overview of three things… Read More »
How Timing Can Be Used as Evidence in a Workplace Retaliation Claim in Florida
Retaliation is an employment law violation that occurs when a company or organization takes adverse action against a worker because he or she engaged in legally protected activity. Proving retaliation can prove to be challenging in many cases. A key thing to know is that timing of adverse action is a form of evidence…. Read More »
Can You Get Out of an Employment Contract Early?
Did you sign an employment contract? If so, you may be wondering if there is any way to get out of the agreement early. The answer is “it depends.” While the employer certainly cannot force you to continue working, they may be able to require you to pay back certain compensation and/or avoid competing… Read More »