Pembroke Pines Unpaid Wages Lawyer

Pembroke Pines Unpaid Wages Attorney

Pembroke Pines’ vibrant economy depends on employees who serve as foundational pillars across industries, including hospitality, retail, healthcare, and professional services. The problem of wage theft continues to affect numerous workers who do not receive the earnings they deserve. A Pembroke Pines unpaid wages lawyer at The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., provides legal support to workers who haven’t received their rightful wages. If you’re unsure how to handle missing pay, a local Pembroke Pines employment lawyer can help explain your rights and guide you through the process.

Wage Theft in Florida

Wage theft is alarmingly common in Florida. EPI reports that 25% of low-wage workers in the state face minimum wage violations, which leads to an annual loss of over $1.1 billion. The US Department of Labor has recovered over $6.5 million on behalf of roughly 14,000 Florida employees who were owed unpaid wages.

The impact of wage theft extends beyond statewide statistics and affects Pembroke Pines at a local level. Broward County’s economy benefits greatly from the various professionals working in the city. The absence of local enforcement systems leaves many workers exposed to exploitation. Florida lacks a state-level labor agency, which results in local governments needing to actively tackle wage theft issues.

Understanding Unpaid Wages in Florida

Unpaid wages refer to all types of income that an employer illegally fails to pay their worker. This can include:

• Unpaid overtime. This is when employers refuse to pay employees the appropriate time-and-a-half pay for work beyond their standard 40-hour workweek.
• Wage violations This involves paying employees below the state-mandated minimum wage.
• Off-the-clock work. This is when employees are forced to complete work activities before their shift starts or after it ends without paying them for their time.
• Misclassification. This happens when employers designate their workers as independent contractors in order to circumvent their responsibilities to provide benefits and fair compensation.
• Unauthorized deductions. This occurs when employers deduct money from employee paychecks for uniforms and other work-related expenses without getting employee permission.

Legal Protections for Pembroke Pines Workers

Employees working in Pembroke Pines benefit from federal and state regulations that govern wage payments and protect workplace fairness. These laws establish base requirements for employee wages and overtime pay and outline employer duties. Workers can pursue legal action against non-compliant employers to reclaim their unpaid wages. Employees and businesses must understand these laws to prevent wage disputes and avoid potential penalties.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) stands as the main federal regulation for setting wages and work hours throughout the United States. The national minimum wage was established through this law and employers must pay overtime rates for work beyond 40 hours in each workweek. Employees working beyond 40 hours under the FLSA need to receive their regular pay rate multiplied by 1.5 for overtime work.

The Florida Minimum Wage Act requires workers to receive no less than the state-established minimum wage, which undergoes yearly adjustments in relation to inflation and cost-of-living changes. The state minimum wage in Florida typically exceeds the federal minimum wage, which results in higher earnings for employees working in multiple industries. In 2025, the Florida minimum wage is $13 per hour, while the national minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.

Pembroke Pines workers can seek justice through the Broward County Courthouse located in Fort Lauderdale, which deals with wage and employment law disputes. The Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach serves as an appellate recourse for certain cases. The time-sensitive nature of wage disputes necessitates immediate action due to strict filing deadlines. Many workers hesitate to pursue claims due to concerns about legal fees, but Florida law may require employers to cover these costs if you win.

Steps to Take if You’re a Victim of Wage Theft

When you find your employer has not paid your rightful wages you should act fast to protect your legal rights. Start by collecting thorough documentation, including records of worked hours and pay stubs, as well as bank deposit details and any written communication with your employer about wages. Evidence of employer misconduct, like time record alterations and unpaid overtime, strengthens your case when proving wage payment violations.

Reach out directly to your employer or the HR department to discuss the problem. Clerical mistakes sometimes cause wage discrepancies that employers or HR departments can fix internally. Should your employer dismiss your request to resolve the wage issue, seek advice from a Pembroke Pines unpaid wages attorney to understand your legal rights.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the US Department of Labor offer claim filing options, while the Broward County Courthouse presents a venue for legal action to obtain unpaid wages, damages, and attorneys’ fees.

FAQs About Pembroke Pines,FL Unpaid Wages Law

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

If you have been the victim of wage theft, you can fight for the wages you are due. The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., can help you seek justice. Contact us today for more information.