Rachel A. Compton, P.A.

Employment Contracts: If the employer and employee enter into a written contract: Each state in the United States may differ on what is required to make a binding employment contract. In Florida, in order for an employment contract to be binding and enforceable, there must be stated in the contract, the date the employment is to begin, the date the employment is to end and the salary the employee is to receive. Typically, if one of these elements is missing, the contract is not enforceable. The law may be different in other states. To be sure, you should consult an attorney in your home state. If you are in Floria, please feel free to contact my office.

Other types of Contracts: Other types of contracts arising ut of the employment relationship include:

  (1) Non-Compete Agreements: Are usually signed at the beginning of employment. Usually, the employee is eager to get to work and will sign whatever the employer asks. Non-compete agreements limit the employee's ability to work for competitiors or similiar businesses for a period of time and for a specific geographic location. There are specific rules in Florida for the length of time and geographic area in a non-compete agreement.

  (2) Severance Packages: When an employer terminates an employee in Florida, it is not required that the employer provide a severance package or severance pay. In some instances, you may be offered a severance package or severance pay. Usually, the employer will require that you sign away all other legal claims. If you believe you have some other type of employment claim, discrimination, retaliation, workers' compensation, you should contact an attorney immediately before signing any severance agreement. Every state has different laws and rules for filing claims regarding contract breaches. If you are not in Florida, make sure to contact an attorney in your home state. To learn more about contract claims in Florida, please contact me.