Terminating an employee for the employee's refusal to sign an unenforceable non-compete agreement is unlawful and can support a lawsuit for wrongful termination in violation of public policy. Further, if you decided to sign the document, any attempt to enforce its provision would not be successful. That is the law.
What voids a non-compete agreement in Florida? A non-compete agreement in Florida is voidable if it is unreasonable in geographic scope, length of time, or type of business it restricts.
Under California law, it's illegal to enforce non-compete agreements that put limits on an employee's future job prospects. ing to California Business and Professions Code Section 16600, any contract that restricts an individual from “engaging in a lawful profession, trade, or business” is null and void.
Florida's non-compete statute specifically states that a non-compete “not supported by a legitimate business interest is unlawful and is void and unenforceable.” The meaning of what is a “legitimate business interest” has been the source of a great deal of litigation.
Florida Courts Generally Enforce Non-Compete Agreements As a general rule, Florida courts will enforce non-compete agreements that employers have their employees sign as a condition of employment. This is true even when the only alternative to signing the agreement is to decline employment.
The very basic requirements are that the non-compete must (1) be in writing; (2) be part of an employment contract; (3) be based on valuable consideration; (4) be reasonable in scope of time and of territory; (5) not be against public policy.
Clauses that preclude a former employee from working for any other employer in a specific industry are invalidated, as are more narrowly-tailored clauses that preclude a former employee from working for a direct competitor during a discrete, limited time period subsequent to the termination of the individual's ...
The Enforceability of Non-Compete Agreements in Florida In Florida, non-compete agreements are enforceable under Florida Statute 542.335, provided they are reasonable in terms of time, area, and line of business.
A noncompete is unenforceable if it restricts an employee's ability to exercise their rights under federal law. No employer may enter into a covenant not to compete or a covenant not to solicit with any employee.
Several factors can void or limit the enforceability of a non-compete agreement, including overly broad restrictions, unreasonable time frames or geographical limits, lack of consideration (such as compensation or job opportunities provided in exchange for the agreement), and violation of public policy.