Severance is never a requirement of any employer unless you have a signed employment agreement stating otherwise, or, it is a written policy of the company.
Employers are not legally required to offer severance during layoffs, but many choose to do so to maintain goodwill and ease the transition for their former employees. If you are offered a severance agreement, remember that you don't have to sign it right away.
In Florida, employment is “at will”, meaning that either the employer or the employee can end the employment relationship at any time without reason unless you have an employment contract or union agreement governing the terms of your employment or work for a government employer.
It makes no difference how long you've been with a company so yes, it's legal to lay off any and everyone without severance. The exceptions: a union agreement requiring severance, a personal contract calling for a severance. This is usually only for executives and ``key'' people.
Do You Get Severance If You Get Fired? There are no legal requirements or federal law for employers to offer a dismissal or redundancy package at the time of termination of employment. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not have any such provisions either.
Tips to Negotiate Your Severance Package Understand the situation. Let the company make the first step and show you their offer. Decide on your requests. Next, decide what you want to ask for. Make a counteroffer. Sign when you're ready.
How to ask for a severance package Review your company's documents. You can typically find details of the company's policy regarding severance packages in a couple of places. Make note of your accomplishments. Stay professional. Negotiate severance during your job offer. Agree to an exit interview.