How To Negotiate an Executive Severance Package in Florida

By Michelle Cohen Levy

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Employment Law

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Last Modified on Aug 25, 2026

If your employment is ending, understanding how to negotiate an executive severance package in Florida can make a real difference in your financial security and future career opportunities. Many executives assume the terms offered by an employer are final, but severance agreements can be negotiated.

Learning more about the general tips for negotiating your severance package can help, but speaking with a Fort Lauderdale C-suite executive lawyer can provide more in-depth legal guidance. A lawyer can also assist you during negotiations, improving your ability to achieve a fair package.

What Is an Executive Severance Package in Florida

In Florida, the total employment is 9,998,508, with 18,840 employees who are working as a chief executive. Florida executives are often offered a severance package during layoffs, company restructurings, mergers, leadership transitions, or other periods of employment change. About 68.8% of public employers and 45% of private employers have a standard severance policy for SVP, EVP, and C-Suite employees.

A severance package is outlined by a severance agreement. Having this agreement provides the executive with financial benefits, while also protecting the employer from potential legal disputes.

The specifics of a severance package vary depending on your company, your employer’s goals, and the outcome of negotiations. Different packages involve different benefits and obligations, but executive severance agreements commonly include:

• Salary continuation or lump-sum severance
• Payment of bonuses or commissions
• Health insurance continuation
• Confidentiality requirements
• Non-compete agreements
• A release of all legal claims

Severance agreements often contain complex legal language. Because of this, it is important to work with a severance agreement attorney who can review the agreement before signing and identify any terms that should be negotiated or that do not protect your interests.

Why You Should Be Prepared to Negotiate in a Severance Agreement Case

Whether you work for a top employer such as Walt Disney World, Publix Super Markets, or the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, or for a smaller business, there is always a chance of receiving a severance package that doesn’t reflect your needs. Being prepared to negotiate can help you secure additional financial benefits that allow you to maintain your lifestyle until your next job or retirement. Many of the same missteps executives make when negotiating pay show up in severance talks too, so it helps to spot them early.

Some severance agreements also involve waiving your right to file a claim against your employer, or signing a non-compete agreement. Depending on your case, avoiding these terms can be an important reason to negotiate.

Important Steps to Take When Negotiating Your Severance Package

Successfully negotiating an executive severance package requires preparation and a clear strategy. It also helps to understand why a company decides to offer severance in the first place, since that reason often shapes how much they are willing to change. Before you accept a severance agreement, take the following steps to negotiate:

• Review your employment documents. Read through your employment contracts, bonus agreements, equity compensation plans, and any other relevant documents that may outline severance policies or be used to prove that you are entitled to certain compensation.
• Evaluate the initial severance agreement. You should review the entire initial agreement that your employer provides. Do not focus only on pay or another single issue. Consider all terms, including healthcare benefits, bonuses, stock options, or a legal release.
• Gather evidence. Having documentation of your contribution to the company or previous employment contracts that involve severance can be used to support your case during negotiations.
• Consider your priorities. Analyze your personal goals and where a severance package falls short. From here, you can write a list of potential changes, which become your goals during severance negotiations.
• Hire a severance agreement lawyer. A severance agreement attorney can review a package and identify areas that should be negotiated. They can also represent you during negotiations with your employer.
• Discuss potential changes with your lawyer. Bring your evidence and proposed changes to your employer to discuss altering a severance agreement.

Why You Should Hire a Severance Agreement Lawyer From The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A.

Michelle Cohen Levy is an experienced employment lawyer who is dedicated to securing fair solutions for Florida and Fort Lauderdale employees. When it comes to a severance agreement case, she takes into account the long-term impacts of an agreement on your future employment and financial situation, so you do not agree to a package that hurts you in the long term.

FAQs

What Is a Reasonable Severance Package for an Executive?

There is no specific severance package that is reasonable for every executive. A fair package depends on factors such as your position, years of employment, compensation structure, employment contract, and the reason for leaving your position. Many executives negotiate several months of their base salary and bonus payments, continued health benefits, and equity compensation.

What Is the 70 Rule for Severance Pay?

The 70 Rule for severance pay is a guideline used by certain companies when deciding whether to offer severance pay to an employee. Under this guideline, employees whose age and years of service add up to 70 or more are eligible for severance. The 70 rule is not a legal rule in California and is not used by many employers.

Can You Negotiate a Severance Package in Florida?

Yes, in many cases you are able to negotiate a severance package. Before signing a severance agreement, you should deeply analyze the terms and attempt to negotiate specific terms you do not find favorable. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to negotiate severance pay, bonuses, health insurance continuation, non-compete agreements, and other provisions.

Do Florida Severance Agreement Laws Require Employers to Provide Severance Pay?

No, Florida severance agreement laws generally do not require private employers to provide severance pay when employment ends. However, you may be legally entitled to severance pay if it is required by an employment contract, collective bargaining agreement, or another valid contract. Additionally, certain public employers may be required to provide severance pay.

Speak With a Skilled Fort Lauderdale C-suite executive lawyer

Leaving a job is a huge life transition, whether it is voluntary or not. However, a strong severance package can make this transition easier by allowing you to have greater financial stability while keeping your options open for future employment. Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., to speak with a lawyer about your case.