Florida Statutes §542.335 (1) provides that the “enforcement of contracts that restrict or prohibit competition during or after the term of restrictive covenants, so long as such contracts are reasonable in time, area, and line of business, is not prohibited.”
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.
Because independent contractors operate independently and engage in their own business, they are not subject to the same restrictions as employees. As such, non-compete agreements are less likely to be enforced against independent contractors in California.
Typically, a noncompete agreement prohibits you from working for a competitor until a set period has passed, but it may additionally ban you from completing the following actions: Starting your own company in the same industry. Contacting former customers. Utilizing skills you learned on the job.
As previously reported (Dentons Alert), the US Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a regulation earlier this year that effectively bans most non-competes for employees and independent contractors (the “FTC Rule”). The effective date of the FTC Rule is September 4, 2024.
For a non-compete agreement to be enforceable, New Jersey courts require that the non-compete agreement (1) protects the legitimate interests of the employer; (2) does not impose an undue hardship on the employee; and (3) is not injurious to the public.
As previously reported (Dentons Alert), the US Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a regulation earlier this year that effectively bans most non-competes for employees and independent contractors (the “FTC Rule”). The effective date of the FTC Rule is September 4, 2024.
Every state has its own law regarding the use of non-competes. For example, in California, they are deemed illegal, except when selling a business or a shareholder's stock or dissolution of a partnership; while in Florida, they are allowed but are subject to strict scrutiny.
If an independent contractor violates a non-compete agreement, the company that issued the non-compete contract may take legal action against them. They can file a lawsuit seeking damages, a court injunction prohibiting the worker from engaging in competitive activities, or both.
"A covenant not to compete contained in a contract for personal services will be enforced if it is reasonable, based on all the circumstances."