Running a profitable company requires making difficult decisions and trying to strike a balance between paying fair wages and balancing the books. Nonetheless, there are legal requirements regarding wages that all employers must follow in Florida.
Failing to adhere to the state’s wage requirements can result in wage and hour claims. It is important to try to prevent these, as they can cause financial and reputational damage.
How do wage and hour disputes arise?
Failure to pay minimum wage
The state of Florida has set minimum wage requirements that must be followed. Untipped employees must be paid at least $13 per hour. Tipped employees must be paid at least $9.98 per hour.
When an employee does not receive these rates, they are free to raise a wage and hour grievance without facing retaliation.
Failure to pay overtime rates
In Florida, an employee enters overtime hours when they work more than 40 hours in a work week. Overtime rates can be set by the employer but they must be at least 1.5 times the employee’s regular rate. Overtime pay cannot be substituted for “comp time” in lieu of overtime pay.
Wage and hour disputes can also arise when:
- An employee does not receive mandatory breaks
- An employee does not receive leave that they are entitled to
- When an employer makes unlawful deductions from pay
Understanding the law in full can help your company reduce the risks of wage and hour disputes. We assist businesses in keeping track of Florida’s employment laws. Call us today to book a consultation.
