Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Florida’s State Minimum Wage Increased on September 30th, 2024
As reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, the Florida statewide minimum wage increased on September 30th, 2024. The minimum wage will rise to $13.00 per hour—on its path to $15.00 per hour in the fall of 2026. In this article, you will find an overview of the key points to understand about Florida’s minimum wage… Read More »
Three Key Elements of a Retaliation Claim
Employers in Florida cannot punish a worker who exercises a legally protected right under state law or federal law. Doing so could give rise to a retaliation claim. The Department of Labor (DOL) explains that retaliation “occurs when an employer fires an employee or takes any other type of adverse action against an employee… Read More »
Major Fines for Tampa, FL Area Employer that Ignored Workplace Safety Issues
On October 3rd, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced major fines against a Florida-based employer. Blacktip Boatworks LLC failed to address 15 serious workplace safety violations that were raised by federal regulators in 2023. The company is facing more than $300,000 in fines after a follow-up investigation revealed continued problems. Florida Employer Fined… Read More »
Florida Employer Agrees to Conciliation Agreement for Pregnancy Fairness Violation
On October 11th, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that a Florida employer has agreed to a conciliation agreement to resolve a violation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). Sailormen, Inc.—a company that operates a Popeye’s location as a franchisee in Orange City, Florida—will pay compensation to a pregnant employee who… Read More »
Federal Court Cites Florida Water Park With Child Labor Violations, Ordered to Pay Damages
On October 21st, the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor, a federal agency, cited a North Florida employer—the owner and operator of a waterpark—for violation of child labor laws. 1944 Beach Boulevard LLC—a company that owns Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach—will pay more than $150,000 and furnish other relief… Read More »
City of St. Petersburg Will Rescind $250,000 of Employee Bonuses (Determined to Be Illegal)
According to a report from Florida Politics, St. Petersburg will rescind approximately $250,000 worth of bonuses that were awarded to city employees. Members of the city council have determined that the bonuses—which were paid to employees who worked on a specific contract—have been determined to be unlawful. In this article, you will find a… Read More »
The Employee’s Guide to Racial Harassment Claims in Florida
As an employee, you should not be subject to worse treatment in the workplace because of your race. Racial harassment is, by definition, a form of race-based discrimination. If you were subject to a hostile work environment based on your race, you may have a claim against your employer. Below, you will find a… Read More »
Employment Law Watch: Federal Court Blocks Major Portion of Florida’s “Stop Woke Act”
As reported by WUSF NPR, a federal court in Florida has permanently blocked a major portion of Florida’s “Stop Woke Act.” Officially referred to as both the Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act and the Florida Individual Freedom Act, the law aimed to prevent employers from engaging in certain forms of anti-harassment… Read More »
Workplace Safety Violation: Employer in Florida Cited for Serious Violation After Cashier Injured in Late-Night Shooting Incident
On August 14th, 2024, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) cited an employer in Central Florida for a serious workplace safety violation. An employee of Circle K Stores Inc. was shot and seriously harmed in a late-night incident in Orlando. OSHA determined that the employer’s substandard safety efforts contributed to the incident. What… Read More »
Company in Florida Will Pay $1.6 Million to Settle Racial Harassment Claim
On August 27th, 2024 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that J.A. Croson—a contractor based in Lake County, Florida—has entered into a settlement agreement for a racial harassment claim. The company will pay approximately $1.6 million to affected employees. African American plumbers and Hispanic plumbers were reportedly subject to a hostile work environment… Read More »