Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Are Employer Handbooks Binding?
Has your employer provided you with an employee handbook? You may be wondering: Is the handbook I got from my employer legally binding? The short answer is that handbooks are not considered to be legally binding contracts in Florida. Though, a handbook could potentially be relevant evidence in an employment law claim. In this… Read More »
DOL Cites Florida Employer for Serious Safety Hazards
On September 23rd, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL) cited an employer in Florida for serious safety hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determined that a pipe installation company in the Orlando area willfully exposed workers to known safety hazards. Unfortunately, the safety hazards in question were deemed to be a factor… Read More »
Is Your Boss Deducting Your Breaks Properly?
Tipped Employees: Unlawful Break Deductions Tipped employees, listen up! If your employer fails to comply with applicable laws regarding breaks, deductions, or other wage-and-hour requirements, you may be entitled to the full minimum wage rather than the tipped minimum wage. Cathleen Scott, board-certified employment law attorney, explains the rules for meal and rest breaks… Read More »
Defamation in the Workplace: How to Know if You Have a Claim
There is a fine line between a strong opinion and illegal defamation. So, what does defamation look like in the employment law context? Defamation occurs when someone makes a false statement of fact about another person or business. False statements of fact are the most critical component of defamation. Everyone is entitled to their… Read More »
Can Employers Require Remote Workers to Come Back to Office?
Whether hybrid or full-time, employers in Florida can generally require employees to return to the office, even if they previously worked remotely. Cathleen Scott, board-certified employment law attorney, explains that under Florida’s at-will employment rules, employers can generally change work conditions, meaning your boss may be within their rights to require you to return… Read More »
Is My Employer Required to Accommodate Child Care Needs?
While employers generally are not required to provide accommodations for routine child care needs, some employers may choose to offer flexibility to help employees manage their family responsibilities. Cathleen Scott, board-certified employment attorney, explains when child care needs may require an employer to provide leave or other workplace accommodations, and when those requests are… Read More »
Politics in the Workplace: Can Employers Regulate Free Speech?
Can Employers Regulate Speech in the Workplace? Everyone has freedom of speech, but can your employer regulate what you say in the workplace or what you post on social media? Cathleen Scott, board-certified employment attorney, spells out the balance between an employee’s individual freedom of speech and an employer’s duty to create a safe… Read More »
Will AI Really Replace Your Job?
Will AI Really Replace Your Job? Since the dawn of artificial intelligence, mass unemployment and job replacement have been widespread concerns, but is the hype actually true? Is AI replacing jobs today, or will it in the near future? The short answer: AI is not replacing all jobs. Artificial intelligence is being used to… Read More »
How to Know if Your Website is ADA Compliant
Is your business’s website ADA-compliant? Lawsuits involving employers whose websites fail to meet ADA accessibility standards are becoming increasingly common as more businesses rely on the internet to reach their customers. Cathleen Scott, a board-certified employment lawyer with 25+ years of experience, stresses how important it is to get it right. Maintaining an ADA-compliant… Read More »
Can You Leave a Job Before an Employment Contract Ends in Florida?
Did you sign a fixed term employment contract? Are you considering leaving your position before the contract actually expires? You may be wondering if that is lawful. That answer is “yes”, but there could be some ramifications associated with doing so. In this article, you will find an overview of the key things that… Read More »