Florida Employment Laws

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, and marital status. Applies to employers with 15 or more employees — same as federal Title VII, but uniquely includes marital status as a protected class.

Prohibits retaliation against employees who report employer violations of law to a government agency, provide information in investigations, or refuse to participate in unlawful activities. Covers employers with 10 or more employees. Requires written disclosure under oath to the appropriate government agency.

Florida's minimum wage is $14.00/hour as of September 30, 2025, rising to $15.00/hour effective September 30, 2026, per the constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2020. There is no separate state overtime law — federal FLSA overtime rules apply.

Florida preempts local governments from enacting their own minimum wage ordinances, paid sick leave mandates, or other employment benefit requirements.

Florida is a strict at-will state. Employers can terminate employees for any lawful reason without notice. Florida does not recognize an implied contract exception from employee handbooks — one of the few states without this protection. Exceptions are limited to specific statutory protections (discrimination, workers' comp retaliation, whistleblower).