Fort Lauderdale Non-Compete Lawyer
Many employees in various industries are asked to sign non-compete agreements when they begin new jobs. These agreements are meant to protect employers’ business interests, preventing their valuable employees from going to work for direct competitors under certain conditions. However, these contracts can seem overbearing, and some may be legally unenforceable. A Fort Lauderdale non-compete lawyer is an ideal asset if you have issues with any such case.
Experienced Legal Counsel for Non-Compete Agreements in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., has extensive experience handling a wide range of cases involving employment law in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas of Florida. Many employees required to sign non-compete agreements feel as though these contracts are unfair, essentially locking them into their positions and preventing them from exploring new opportunities. This isn’t necessarily true, and it’s important to understand how these contracts work.
Our firm can meet with you to address your concerns regarding a non-compete agreement in Fort Lauderdale. While these contracts are generally enforceable in Florida, they must be very specific, and an overly broad or unreasonable contract may not hold up in court. You can rely on our firm to review the details of your non-compete agreement and determine your legal options if you are concerned about violating the agreement and facing reprisals.
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Understanding Non-Compete Agreements in Fort Lauderdale
The team at The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., can provide comprehensive legal counsel for all types of cases involving non-compete agreements in Fort Lauderdale. Many of these cases boil down to disputes regarding whether the terminology used in the contract is fair and reasonable. A non-compete agreement needs to address a specific business interest for the employer. It must also be very specific in what it covers:
- The contract must stipulate a specific geographic region, and it may also specify individual competitors in the area.
- The agreement must also be clear in terms of the timeframe it covers. For example, a non-compete agreement cannot prevent an employee from going to work for a competitor indefinitely.
- The contract should be specific in terms of the activities the employee may not perform for a competitor. For example, it should be flexible enough that the employee can work for a competitor in a role different from their current role.
- The agreement should cover the employer’s rights when it comes to claiming a breach of contract. In other words, it should clearly state what the employer will do if the employee violates the terms of the agreement.
These are just a few examples of the necessary elements of a legally enforceable non-compete agreement in Florida. Many employees who are asked to sign these documents feel compelled to do so as they are typically required for employment. However, they may later feel as though these agreements are excessive when it comes to preventing them from seeking new opportunities in their chosen field.
The team at The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., can help you determine whether a non-compete agreement is legally enforceable, and you can also rely on our team for assistance if you are accused of breaching a non-compete agreement in Florida. Breach of contract cases are often complex, so it is important that you secure legal counsel you trust as quickly as possible when confronted with such a case.
FAQs
Generally, yes, non-compete agreements are legally enforceable in Florida as long as they do not contain any unfair or blatantly one-sided terms. A non-compete agreement needs to be very specific when it comes to restricted activities, identifying specific competitors, and outlining the applicable geographic region to which the non-compete agreement applies. An experienced attorney can review a non-compete agreement to determine if it is enforceable.
Many things can potentially void a non-compete agreement in Florida. First and foremost, the non-compete agreement must explicitly aim to protect a specific business interest; otherwise, it is not enforceable. It must also be reasonable in scope, meaning it can only apply to a specific geographic region and/or restrict the employee’s participation in specific activities. Consult an attorney if you are unsure whether a non-compete agreement is legally enforceable.
The penalties for violating a non-compete agreement in Florida are often stipulated in the agreement itself. For example, if an employee who signed such an agreement violates it by working for a direct competitor, the agreement may state that the former employer is legally entitled to seek compensation for any damages they suffered as a result. However, a non-compete agreement legally cannot stop an employee from looking for new work in their field.
The main purpose of a non-compete agreement is to protect a specific business interest. For example, a sales representative may be required to sign an agreement stating they will not take clients they have earned for their employer with them if they decide to work for a new company. In order for a non-compete agreement to be legally enforceable, it needs to be reasonable and explicit when it comes to the scope of what it will cover.
You should hire a Fort Lauderdale non-compete lawyer because navigating any type of breach of contract case will be exceedingly difficult without legal counsel on your side. If you have been accused of breaching a non-compete agreement in Fort Lauderdale, the other party likely has a robust legal team experienced in handling these cases. You need an attorney who can prove that no violation occurred or that the contract was legally unenforceable.
The team at The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., is ready to provide the legal counsel you need to navigate any case involving a non-compete agreement. We have years of experience representing clients in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas of Florida, and our goal is to help you navigate your case with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale non-compete lawyer and learn how we can help.