Pembroke Pines Non-Compete Lawyer

Pembroke Pines Non-Compete Attorney

Employment contracts throughout multiple industries often include non-compete agreements, which serve to protect employers’ legitimate business interests by preventing employees from competing after leaving their jobs. When questions arise or legal actions ensue, a Pembroke Pines non-compete lawyer can help individuals understand their legal options.

Florida state law specifies the conditions under which non-compete agreements become enforceable throughout the state, including Pembroke Pines. Both employers and employees need to comprehend non-compete agreement details to maintain compliance and fairness, and working with an expert employment lawyer in Pembroke Pines can make that easier to navigate.

Why Choose The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A.?

At The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., your case receives direct, personal attention from a dedicated attorney who fully invests in your legal matters. My role as a solo practitioner allows me to engage in every detail of my clients’ legal cases while delivering personalized advocacy and focused representation.

Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars recognized my dedication to excellence, which helped me achieve the top 1% placement among attorneys as identified by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. My legal representation offers accessibility and results-focused advocacy while demonstrating genuine concern for protecting your interests.

Non-Compete Agreements in Pembroke Pines

The main legal framework for non-compete agreements in Florida details the enforcement conditions for non-compete contracts. Florida stands out as one of the most employer-friendly states for enforcing non-compete agreements, while many other states have chosen to restrict or ban these contracts. A non-compete agreement becomes enforceable in Florida through specific legal requirements:

• It must protect a legitimate business interest, such as trade secrets.
• It must have a reasonable duration. Typical non-compete agreements last between six months and two years. Anything longer than that may be deemed unreasonable by the court.
• The location must be reasonable. This means that it must cover a reasonable geographic location. It cannot cover a broad region without reason.
• Have clearly defined restrictions. This means that it is restricted to the type of work that the employee will be performing.

Florida courts hold the power to revise non-compete agreements that exceed reasonable boundaries instead of invalidating them entirely. The blue-pencil rule enables courts to modify certain sections of agreements so they become enforceable.

What to Do Before Signing a Non-Compete Agreement

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report shows that two recent nationwide studies determined that 18% of workers currently have non-compete agreements, while one study found that 38% of workers have encountered non-compete clauses at some point in their professional history.

In addition, it was shown that 30% of employers require workers who are lower-wage to sign non-compete agreements. However, these workers often pose the least risk. Knowing this, it is important to know what to do before you sign a non-compete agreement. If you are given a non-compete clause, do the following before signing:

• Carefully review the terms. Monitor both the length of time and the geographic extent and activities that are prohibited.
• Negotiate if necessary. Certain employers show flexibility by changing terms when they appear overly restrictive.
• Consult an attorney. A Pembroke Pines non-compete attorney can provide you with insights into whether the agreement can be enforced.
• Get clarification where necessary. When you find any terms unclear, request a written explanation from your employer.

Many employees feel compelled to sign non-compete agreements despite lacking a complete understanding of their terms. Be sure to understand your legal rights and verify the fairness of the contract before signing it.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Both employees concerned about career limitations and employers wanting to shield their business interests find non-compete agreements challenging to manage. Florida law requires non-compete agreements to maintain reasonable limits regarding scope and geographic reach, along with duration, but many agreements exceed these legal boundaries.

An experienced Pembroke Pines non-compete lawyer has the experience to evaluate your agreement and establish whether it will hold up in court.

At The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., we represent employees who need to review or negotiate unfair agreements, and we can assist you if you’ve been accused of breaching your contract. We provide representation for clients at the Broward County Courthouse (Fort Lauderdale), where the majority of non-compete cases in the local area are addressed. The Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach serves as the next judicial step for appeals cases.

FAQs About Non-Compete Law in Pembroke Pines,FL

Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., Today

Understanding and navigating the legal intricacies and issues surrounding a non-compete clause can be challenging. The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., can help you understand your options. Contact us today to get started.