When Wrongful Termination Violates Florida Law

By Michelle Cohen Levy

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Wrongful Termination

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Last Modified on Apr 21, 2026

If you think you were terminated illegally, you should know when wrongful termination violates Florida law. The ability of Florida employers to fire at will is extensive, though not without restrictions. When those limits are exceeded, an employee may be able to take legal action against the former employer for damages.  A Fort Lauderdale employment lawyer can help.

Understanding Wrongful Termination in Florida

Florida is an at-will employment state, which means employers can terminate employees for any reason or no reason at all. Florida employers cannot fire an employee when it would violate state or federal law to do so.

Wrongful termination comes into play when an employer fires someone for an illegal reason. If you were terminated for exercising a legal right or engaging in protected activity, you may be able to bring a claim against your former employer for wrongful termination.

Through mediation, conciliation, and settlements, the agency was able to secure nearly $700 million in financial relief for approximately 21,000 victims of employment discrimination this fiscal year. This amount included more than $190 million for federal employees and more than $469 million for people working in private companies and state and local government workplaces.

Common Situations That Violate the Law

While an employer can terminate an employee for almost any reason, there are certain situations that seem to lead to termination that actually violate the law. These situations often involve an employee being terminated for taking part in a protected activity or asserting a legal right. Examples include:

• You were terminated because of your race, sex, age, disability, or another protected reason.
• You were fired after you complained about workplace harassment, discrimination, or wrongdoing.
• You lost your job because you took a protected leave of absence from work or asked for an accommodation.
• You were let go because you refused to commit an illegal act.

If you suffered any of these, you may want to consider having your termination investigated to see if your employer violated the law.

Retaliation in Wrongful Termination Cases

Many wrongful termination cases are based on retaliation. Essentially, retaliation surfaces when a company penalizes an employee for standing up for themselves legally. If you recently engaged in a protected activity, such as filing a complaint, and your employer retaliated against you by terminating your employment, the timing might not be a coincidence.

Florida Wrongful Termination Laws

As an employee in Florida, you are covered by Florida and federal laws, which protect you from being fired for discriminatory reasons. Two of the more common laws that cover wrongful termination include:

• The Florida Civil Rights Act (Fla. Stat. § 760.10) prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics.
• The Florida Whistleblower Act protects employees from retaliation for reporting unlawful activity.

Both of these laws prohibit employers from firing employees for discriminatory reasons. Keep in mind that just because your termination may seem illegal, it does not mean that you have a claim.

Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Taking the right steps after an unfair firing can strengthen your position if you decide to take legal action. Employment law cases can be technical and require a lot of evidence gathering. They also come with strict deadlines and legal procedures. You shouldn’t have to go through this without support. An attorney will be able to assess whether you have a case and what you can do about it. When you hire a wrongful termination lawyer, it is often beneficial, regardless of whether you’re pursuing legal action or seeking a settlement.

About The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A.

At The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., clients in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County know they can expect personalized and attentive legal service when dealing with employment issues. Michelle Cohen Levy is a Fort Lauderdale employment lawyer who has spent years perfecting her practice so that she can provide strategic and tailored advice to each of her clients.

Michelle operates her law firm directly from her Fort Lauderdale office and will always be available to you. Handling cases in and around the Broward County Central Courthouse (201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301), Michelle knows how to navigate wrongful termination cases.

FAQs

How Do I Know if My Termination Was Illegal?

Whether your termination was illegal depends on why your employer wanted you gone. You may have been wrongfully terminated if you were fired because of discrimination, retaliation, or for performing a legally protected activity. An attorney can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your termination and the timing/documentation involved to determine if your rights were violated.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Wrongful Termination Case?

Good examples of strong evidence are emails, performance reviews, written warnings, witness testimony, or any other communication you had with your employer regarding your termination. Any evidence that can establish a pattern of unfair treatment or dispute the employer’s stated reason for termination can be particularly useful. Detailed records make it easier to establish a case.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Wrongful Termination Case?

Lost wages, future lost income, and pain and suffering can all potentially be recovered if your claim succeeds. You may be able to receive additional damages as well, depending on the details of your situation. Your personal recovery will depend upon the facts of your case and which laws apply.

Can I Be Fired for Reporting Illegal Activity at Work?

No, an employee cannot normally be fired for reporting illegal or unethical activity. There are various laws protecting whistleblowers from retaliation. You may have a retaliation claim in addition to a wrongful termination claim if you were fired for reporting misconduct. Contact a lawyer right away so they can look at the evidence in your case.

Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A.

If you believe your firing violated Florida law, it’s time to take action. You can clearly assess your options and comprehend your rights by speaking with an experienced attorney. You will get individualized advice at The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A. that is specific to your circumstances. Contact us today for a consultation and begin seeking justice.