Florida Employee Laws 2025 – All You Need To Know

Florida’s employee laws have undergone changes that impact employers and employees. It’s important to understand employment laws, including wage adjustments, overtime regulations, and workplace safety laws, to know your rights.

The new changes affect minors, overtime pay, and local employment regulations. Explore the key aspects of the changes in various Florida employee laws:

• Minimum wage adjustments. Florida’s minimum wage increases are based on a set formula. By 2026, Florida’s minimum wage will reach $15 per hour.
• Overtime regulations. The U.S. Department of Labor has updated the salary thresholds for overtime exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Paid time off. Florida law does not mandate employers to provide paid time off, vacation, or sick leave. However, many employers choose to offer PTO as part of the benefits package.
• Family and medical leave. While Florida does not have a state-specific family and medical leave law, employers are subject to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This act entitles eligible employees to up to 12 weeks of unpaid days off per year for certain medical and family-related reasons. This ensures the continuation of group health insurance coverage and job retention.
• Workplace safety and heat regulations. Florida’s climate presents unique challenges, especially for outdoor workers. However, the state currently lacks comprehensive regulations mandating heat-related protections, such as mandatory breaks or access to water and shade for outdoor workers. Advocates continue to push for these protections, due to the health risks associated with prolonged heat exposure.
• Workers’ compensation. As of 2025, Florida law now mandates that all employers with workers’ compensation insurance provide injured workers with all medically necessary treatment, care, and assistance throughout their recovery. This way, employees can receive adequate help for workplace injuries.
• Anti-discrimination laws. Florida law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, disability, race, marital status, and religion. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Recent legislative sessions have also introduced bills that could impact workplace protections for LGBTQ+ employees.
• Union regulations and collective bargaining. The law requires unions to recertify if their dues-paying membership falls below a certain point and prohibits automatic paycheck deductions for union dues. Unions representing law enforcement, correctional officers, and firefighters are exempt from these requirements.
• Higher education employment policies. Florida has implemented post-tenure review policies affecting faculty members in state universities. These policies have led to the termination of many faculty members and warnings issued to others to improve their performance or face dismissal. These measures are in an effort to reform higher education in the state.

Emerging Trends and Considerations

The way people work continues to change with the times. For instance, the rise of remote work and gig economy platforms has introduced new dynamics into Florida’s employment landscape. Employers and employees must navigate issues related to worker classification, remote work policies, and compliance with state and federal labor laws. It’s important to establish clear agreements between employees and employers as to the terms of employment, compensation, and expectations.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in the workplace has also greatly transformed industries. These technologies can enhance efficiency in some instances but also raise questions about job displacement and the need for employees to have additional skills. Employers need to review their processes, such as including training for employees to help them adapt to new technologies and explore new ways to integrate AI in a way that complements current labor efforts rather than replacing them.

AI systems are in their infancy and currently not without fault. In fact, AI systems can perpetuate discriminatory practices due to bias in algorithms. They can also raise concerns about accountability, as AI systems can make it harder to understand how certain outcomes are reached. Employers should proceed with caution.

FAQs

Q: What Are My Rights in Florida as an Employee?

A: Florida employees have rights under state and federal laws that include protections against discrimination, workplace safety, and wage laws. The Florida Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, age, and disability. The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes the minimum wage and overtime rules. Workers also have the right to a safe workplace. In Florida, however, employers can terminate employees without cause, except for instances of discrimination or retaliation.

Q: What Is the New Work Law in Florida?

A: The U.S. Department of Labor’s new rule updates overtime pay regulations and the salary threshold for employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. If an employee earns below the threshold, they can receive overtime pay. Mechanisms are in place to update the thresholds based on current wage data. These changes aim to expand overtime eligibility and ensure fair wage compensation for workers.

Q: Does Florida Have Any Labor Laws?

A: Florida has labor laws regarding minimum wage, overtime, discrimination, and workplace safety. The Florida Minimum Wage Act ensures workers are paid the state-mandated hourly wage. The Florida Civil Rights Act protects against workplace discrimination laws as well. Florida does not have extensive labor protections, such as required sick leave or job protections beyond federal law.

Q: Can You Be Fired Without Warning in Florida?

A: Yes, in Florida, you can be fired without warning, as Florida is an at-will employment state. That means employers can fire an employee without warning or cause for termination, unless it violates a discrimination law, employment contract, or violates whistleblower protection. Wrongful termination still applies if the firing is based on discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract.

Contact a Florida Employment Lawyer Today

Navigating Florida’s employment laws requires a thorough understanding of recent legislative changes and emerging workplace trends. If you believe you have been treated unfairly in the workplace or that your employer has directly violated your rights, you need a skilled employment lawyer on your side to help you navigate legal complexities and fight for the justice you deserve.

The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., can guide you through every step of your Florida employee law case. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.