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.
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.
How to Get Around a Non-Compete in Florida Seek Legal Advice from an Attorney. Review the Agreement Carefully. Evaluate the Legitimacy of Employer Interests. Assess the Reasonableness of the Agreement. Negotiate with the Employer. Challenge the Enforceability in Court. Exploring Alternative Career Options.
Scheduled to take effect on September 4, 2024, the Non-Compete Rule banned non-compete agreements, including any agreements that “function or prevent” a worker from seeking or accepting work or operating a business; made it unlawful to enter into, enforce, or attempt to enter into or enforce, a non-compete agreement ...
Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable in Florida? At the time of drafting this article, non-compete agreements are enforceable in Florida. The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a rule in April 2024 providing that beginning on September 4, 2024, non-compete agreements would be unenforceable.
Impact of the FTC Rule on Florida Non-Competes The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in April 2024 issued a rule that significantly limits the use of non-compete clauses nationwide, declaring them as an "unfair method of competition." This rule prohibits non-compete agreements for all employees except for certain senior ...
For senior executives, existing noncompetes can remain in force. Existing noncompetes with workers other than senior executives are not enforceable after the effective date. Fewer than 1% of workers are estimated to be senior executives under the final rule.
The following are the most common ways to get out of a non-compete agreement: Determine that the terms of the contract do not in fact prevent you from a desired course of action. Recognize when a non-compete contradicts the law. Negotiate a release agreement with the involved parties. Ignore the agreement.
How to Get Around a Non-Compete in Florida Seek Legal Advice from an Attorney. Review the Agreement Carefully. Evaluate the Legitimacy of Employer Interests. Assess the Reasonableness of the Agreement. Negotiate with the Employer. Challenge the Enforceability in Court. Exploring Alternative Career Options.
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.