Guide to Florida Employment Law Disputes in Jacksonville

Estimated read time: 11 min read

Introduction: Why Jacksonville Workers Need to Understand Florida Employment Law

The Jacksonville metro area is home to more than one million residents and a diverse range of employers—from logistics giants at JAXPORT to fast-growing tech start-ups in the Urban Core. While this economic diversity creates opportunity, it also produces workplace challenges such as unpaid overtime, sudden layoffs, and discriminatory practices. Florida’s at-will doctrine can give the false impression that employers hold all the cards, but state and federal statutes provide strong protections for employees who know how to use them. This guide—written from a worker-focused perspective—explains the rights of Jacksonville employees, outlines common disputes, and offers practical next steps, including when to involve an experienced Florida employment attorney.

If you believe your workplace rights have been violated, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation.

1. Understanding Your Employment Rights in Florida

1.1 Florida’s At-Will Employment Rule—And Its Limits

Florida is an at-will state, meaning an employer may terminate an employment relationship for any lawful reason or no reason at all. However, terminations cannot violate public policy, contractual obligations, or anti-discrimination statutes. For example, firing an employee for serving on a jury or reporting OSHA violations would be unlawful retaliation, even in an at-will context.

1.2 Minimum Wage and Overtime Rules

• State Minimum Wage: As of September 2023, the Florida minimum wage is $12.00 per hour, increasing annually until it reaches $15.00 in 2026 (Art. X, §24, Fla. Const.).

• Overtime: Florida defers to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which mandates 1.5× pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek for non-exempt employees.

• Tipped Employees: Must receive a cash wage of at least $8.98 per hour after tip credit.

1.3 Protected Classes Under Florida and Federal Law

Both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Florida’s Civil Rights Act (Fla. Stat. §760.10) prohibit adverse actions based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, age (40+ under ADEA), disability, and marital status. Jacksonville ordinances also protect sexual orientation and gender identity in employment (City Ord. 2017-15-E).

1.4 Other Key Rights

• Whistleblower Protections: Florida Stat. §448.102 shields employees who disclose or refuse to participate in illegal practices.

• Family & Medical Leave: Jacksonville workers employed by companies with 50+ employees may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the FMLA.

• Military Service: USERRA guarantees reemployment rights after military duty.

2. Common Employment Disputes in Jacksonville, Florida

Below are the most frequent issues our clients report in Duval County and surrounding areas:

2.1 Wrongful Termination

Although “wrongful termination” is not a stand-alone Florida cause of action, firing someone for discriminatory, retaliatory, or contract-breaching reasons can create liability. Recent case law—Garg v. Phh Mortg. Corp., 221 So. 3d 632 (Fla. 5th DCA 2017)—upheld a jury verdict where an employee was terminated for reporting wage theft.

2.2 Wage and Hour Violations

• Misclassification: Calling a non-exempt worker “salaried” to dodge overtime.

• Off-the-Clock Work: Pre-shift meetings or mandatory travel time left unpaid.

• Unpaid Commissions: Common in Jacksonville’s logistics and real-estate sectors.

2.3 Discrimination & Harassment

Employees at NAS Jacksonville have raised religious-accommodation claims while healthcare workers at major hospitals have reported disability discrimination. Harassment becomes unlawful when it is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment.

2.4 Retaliation

Retaliation is the most frequent charge filed with the EEOC. Under Fla. Stat. §448.102, public or private workers cannot be penalized for objecting to illegal practices. In Foy v. Whole Foods Market, No. 3:19-cv-1085-J-25JRK (M.D. Fla. 2021), a Jacksonville cashier recovered damages after being fired for reporting unsafe COVID-19 conditions.

3. Florida Legal Protections & Regulatory Framework

3.1 Key Statutes

• Chapter 448, Florida Statutes: Wage discrimination, unpaid wages, and whistleblower protections.

• Chapter 760, Florida Statutes: State-level anti-discrimination law enforced by the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR).

• Florida Minimum Wage Amendment: Sets annual increases until 2026.

3.2 Agencies & Enforcement

Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) – Investigates discrimination and retaliation claims. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Enforces federal anti-discrimination statutes; Jacksonville falls under the Miami District Office. Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) – Oversees wage claims and unemployment benefits.

3.3 Filing Deadlines (Statutes of Limitation)

Claim TypeDeadlineWhere to File

FCHR Discrimination365 days from last actFCHR EEOC Discrimination300 days (Florida is a deferral state)EEOC FLSA Wage/Overtime2 years (3 if willful)Federal or state court Fla. Whistleblower2 years from retaliatory actState court Unpaid Wages (Fla. Stat. §95.11)4 years (5 if written contract)State court

3.4 Recent Court Precedents Impacting Jacksonville

• Jones v. Jacksonville Transportation Authority, 2022 Fla. App. LEXIS 1890 – Clarified that internal complaints can constitute protected activity.

• Schaffer v. Collier Anesthesia, P.A., 347 So. 3d 87 (Fla. 1st DCA 2022) – Recognized emotional-distress damages under Florida Civil Rights Act.

4. Steps to Take After an Employment Dispute

4.1 Document Everything

• Keep written records of incidents, dates, and witnesses.

• Save emails, text messages, and voicemails—especially any that show discriminatory statements or schedule changes.

• Download pay stubs and time records from HR portals before access is revoked.

4.2 Report Internally First (When Safe)

• Follow the employer’s handbook procedures: HR complaint forms, direct supervisor, or ethics hotline.

• Send follow-up emails confirming the conversation to create a paper trail.

4.3 File an Administrative Charge

If internal reporting fails or results in retaliation, employees must file with an administrative agency before heading to court for most civil-rights claims.

• FCHR: Use the online complaint portal or mail Form ETC-1. Expect an initial determination within 180 days.

• EEOC: Schedule an intake interview online or by phone. The Miami District often holds outreach clinics in downtown Jacksonville.

4.4 Preserve Electronic Evidence

Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, litigants have a duty to preserve relevant data once litigation is "reasonably anticipated." Back up your files to an external drive and notify your attorney immediately if you suspect evidence spoliation by the employer.

4.5 Mind the Clock

Do not wait for HR to "do the right thing." Administrative deadlines can expire quickly, extinguishing valid claims. If you are within 60 days of any deadline listed above, consult counsel right away.

5. When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

5.1 Indicators You Need an Attorney

• You receive a separation agreement or severance package—legal review can uncover hidden non-compete or confidentiality clauses.

• The employer retaliates after your initial complaint.

• Co-workers with similar complaints are being silenced.

• You’re approaching a statutory filing deadline.

5.2 How Louis Law Group Can Assist

Louis Law Group represents employees across Florida, including Duval, Nassau, Clay, and St. Johns Counties. Our attorneys:

• Investigate wage records and personnel files.

• Draft and file EEOC or FCHR charges.

• Negotiate severance or settlement agreements.

• Litigate in state and federal courts, including the Middle District of Florida (Jacksonville Division).

If you believe your rights have been violated, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation.

6. Local Resources & Next Steps

Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA) – Free or low-cost representation for qualifying workers. Florida Attorney General – Consumer Protection – For wage-related scams.

• EEOC Miami District Office (covers Jacksonville) – 1-800-669-4000.

• FCHR Tallahassee Headquarters – (850) 488-7082.

• DEO Reemployment Assistance Hotline – 1-800-204-2418.

Remember: documentation, deadlines, and decisive action are critical. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment law is complex and fact-specific; you should consult a qualified Florida-licensed attorney about your particular situation. Reading this material or contacting Louis Law Group does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Louis Law Group • 833-657-4812 • Serving Jacksonville and all of Florida