What to Do When You Get Fired Unfairly in Florida

It can be overwhelming and humiliating to lose your job, but it can be even worse to lose your job due to unfair circumstances. Florida may be an at-will employment state, but that doesn’t give your employer the right to fire you for any reason. Certain reasons are illegal, and you may want to enlist the help of an employment lawyer to see if you have a strong case. In the meantime, it is essential to know what to do when you get fired unfairly in Florida.

The most important ally you can have during this stressful ordeal is an experienced Florida wrongful termination attorney. You may have a stronger case than you realize, and it’s important to do what you can to protect yourself. You will want someone in your corner who has considerable knowledge of the state’s wrongful termination laws, as well as experience handling wrongful termination cases like yours. Our firm can provide you with everything you need.

Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer

There are many important reasons to hire a wrongful termination lawyer. First and foremost, having a skilled employment lawyer by your side can provide you with peace of mind that your case is being handled with maturity, focus, and dedication. At The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., we can help you develop a strong case for wrongful termination. Our team has extensive experience assisting businesses and individuals with their cases.

Wrongful termination affects thousands of Americans every year. According to recent data from the U.S. Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor, over 150,000 workers nationwide were directly affected by unfair labor practices, including wrongful termination termination based on false accusations, in 2024 alone. These cases resulted in over $270 million being awarded to the workers after they pursued legal action. Your case may be just as viable.

Losing your job can be stressful enough, and it’s even more so when you also must consider potential legal action against your employer. This whole ordeal could severely affect your mental health, and you may want to think about reaching out to someone for help.

A local mental health support group, such as NAMI Florida or Hope for Healing Florida, can provide you with a judgment-free zone to discuss your troubles and voice your fears, concerns, and hopes for the future.

What to Do When You Get Fired Unfairly in Florida

When you find out you’ve lost your job, your first reaction may understandably be anger and fury. It’s essential that you don’t lash out; instead, handle this situation the smart way. Florida’s labor laws prohibit wrongful termination, even though Florida is an at-will employment state. That means that your employer can fire you without cause, but they can’t fire you for any reason whatsoever. Certain reasons, like discrimination or retaliation, are illegal.

If you find yourself facing wrongful termination, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your claim is taken seriously. Here are some of those steps:

• The first thing you should do after being wrongfully terminated is consult with an employment lawyer. Tell them everything that happened, leaving nothing out. Bring them any evidence you have already gathered that supports your claim. Your lawyer can tell you if you have a valid case, and they can guide you through the process. Be sure not to sign a severance agreement at this time, as that could prevent you from filing a claim.
• Next, you should file a complaint at either the state or federal level. If your firing was a direct result of workplace discrimination or in retaliation for protected activities you engaged in against the company, you should file a complaint with either the Florida Commission on Human Relations or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before you move forward with legal action.
• Next, if you haven’t done so already, you should start gathering as much documentation as you can find that proves your case. Any documents relevant to your termination may be useful, including performance reviews, your employee handbook, emails, text messages, audio recordings, pay stubs, and witness statements. Throughout this process, be sure to protect yourself with your lawyer’s help and advice.

FAQs

What Qualifies as Wrongful Termination in the State of Florida?

There are several behaviors that qualify as wrongful termination in the state of Florida. Primarily, it involves being fired for an illegal reason. These reasons would include discrimination, retaliation, constructive discharge, or a breach of workplace policy, in some situations. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, it is advisable to consult a lawyer and begin building a case.

How Can I Prove Wrongful Termination?

There are many things you can do to prove wrongful termination. The most effective thing you can do is hire a lawyer and gather as much evidence as you can find. The more evidence you have of wrongdoing, the easier it may be to succeed in your case. If you have documentation that proves your employer knowingly violated the law in firing you, that can be extremely helpful.

How Do You Respond to a Wrongful Termination?

The most effective way to respond to a wrongful termination is to play it smart, collect evidence, and hire a lawyer. You don’t want to make a scene by shouting at your employer or trashing the office. That won’t help your case in the slightest. Seek out a lawyer and start building a strong case that proves your version of events.

Should I Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire a wrongful termination lawyer. You aren’t legally required to hire a lawyer to represent you, but you should do so anyway. It’s recommended that you always hire legal help when you are dealing with legal strife. Having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference in the long run, especially if you don’t know where to start with your case.

Reach Out Today

At The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., we can help you hold your employer accountable for letting you go unfairly. Contact us to speak with a member of our team about how we can assist with your case.