Can I Sue My Employer for Firing Me Under False Accusations in Florida? 2025

Losing your job is never easy, but being fired because of false accusations adds a whole new layer of stress, confusion, and emotional toll. It feels unjust, and in many cases, it is. If you’ve been let go in Florida because someone made a false claim about your actions or conduct, you may wonder if there are legal grounds for you to fight back. You may ask yourself, “Can I sue my employer for firing me under false accusations in Florida?”

Being Fired for False Accusations

Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for no reason, as long as it isn’t illegal. But even in an at-will system, there are limits. If your firing was based on false allegations and involved defamation, retaliation, discrimination, or a violation of company policy or contract, you could have a viable legal claim. A Fort Lauderdale wrongful termination lawyer can help determine if you have a case.

False accusations at work can take many forms. You might be accused of stealing, harassing a coworker, violating company policy, lying on your timesheet, or even committing fraud, none of which you actually did. Sometimes these claims come from a coworker or supervisor with a personal grudge. Other times, they’re the result of misunderstandings or poorly conducted internal investigations.

When these accusations lead to termination, the impact can be devastating. Not only are you out of a job, but your reputation may suffer, making it harder to find new employment. In some cases, firing someone based on false claims crosses the line into wrongful termination or defamation, which is where legal options can arise.

Filing a Wrongful Termination Claim

Technically, there is no specific statute called “wrongful termination” in Florida law. However, Florida’s wrongful termination laws provide multiple legal avenues that may support a claim, particularly when false accusations violate employment protections. Some of the most common reasons you can file a claim include:

• Discrimination. If the accusation was a pretext for discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, or other protected characteristics, you may have a discrimination claim.
• Defamation. Defamation claim possibilities when employers knowingly spread false accusations that damage your professional reputation.
• Retaliation. If the false accusation followed a protected action, like reporting harassment, taking medical leave, or filing a workers’ compensation claim, it could be illegal retaliation.
• Breach of contract. If your employment was governed by a contract or union agreement that protects you from termination without cause, you may be able to file a claim under breach of contract.

Assistance in Florida

If you’re in Hollywood or the surrounding areas of Broward County, you’re not alone in this fight. You can begin by reaching out to a local employment law attorney who understands both federal and Florida-specific laws. The Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale is the primary venue for civil employment cases in the area.

Additionally, agencies like the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Miami District Office handle employment discrimination and retaliation claims, and they’re accessible to workers throughout South Florida.

While wrongful termination statistics are scarce, retaliation is one of the main reasons for wrongful termination. The EEOC resolved 34 retaliation claims in 2023. This led to over $8 million being recovered for victims. In total, 56 claims were filed that year.

Compensation You Can Receive

If you were terminated due to false allegations, you may be entitled to compensation. To start, you may be able to receive back pay. This includes both wages and benefits you would have earned had you not been terminated from the day you were fired to the present. If your job is not able to be reinstated, you may also be entitled to front pay.

Additionally, you may be granted compensation for emotional distress, especially if the situation caused you noticeable anxiety and/or depression. In some cases, a person’s reputation is damaged, making it harder to secure new employment. In these cases, the employee may be entitled to compensation for that, too.

While rare, some may be entitled to punitive damages if the employer acted particularly harmfully or egregiously. If your case goes to court and you win, you may also be entitled to legal fees and court costs. Your awarded damages will depend on the specifics of your case and the evidence.

FAQs

Q: Can I File a Claim for False Accusations in Florida?

A: You can file a claim for false accusations in Florida if the false accusations led to a wrongful termination. You may also file a claim if the false accusations led to damages, such as lost wages, emotional distress, or damage to your reputation. To file a strong claim, you must prove that the statements made against you were false, made with malicious intent, and caused harm.

Q: What Is Wrongful Termination in Florida?

A: Wrongful termination in Florida includes any action where an employer fires an employee for a reason that is illegal. Some of these reasons include firing someone for discriminatory reasons (such as based on race or age), retaliation for filing a complaint, violating a contract, or exercising their legal rights (such as taking medical leave).

Q: How Much Is a Wrongful Termination Claim Worth in Florida?

A: The amount a wrongful termination claim is worth will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding your unique case. It is based on lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees. If the employer’s conduct was extreme, this can result in additional compensation. An employment attorney can help you understand the compensation you may be entitled to.

Q: Can I Be Fired Without Warning in Florida?

A: Yes, you can be fired without warning in Florida. Florida is an at-will state, meaning an employee can be terminated without warning and for any legal reason. However, if you were fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination or in retaliation, you may have standing for a legal claim. Employers cannot fire employees for illegal reasons, even in at-will states.

Contact Us Today

If you were terminated due to accusations that are false, The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., can help you seek justice. Contact us today to get started.