How Do I File Employment Complaints in Florida?
Depending on the nature of your complaint, to file a complaint against a Florida employer, you will most likely need to file with a state employment agency. The Florida Commission on Human Relations, which handles employment discrimination lawsuits in Florida, is one example of this.
After you file a complaint with the Commission, they will investigate your allegation and conduct numerous assessments.
Another alternative is to submit a complaint to a government entity such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
This may be justified in cases when there is a direct violation of federal regulations and legislation. You may be needed to file at the state level before filing with the EEOC in certain circumstances.
Finally, you may be required to initiate a private action against your employer. This could result in a monetary reward or relief.
Check to determine whether you need to file with a state agency first before launching a lawsuit. In most circumstances, you must “exhaust your remedies” at the state level before filing in civil court.
Keep in mind that Florida does not have a state department for several sorts of claims.
Wage and Hours Disputes
Collect information about your job and compensation. To register a thorough complaint about your working hours or salary, you must know the name and location of your employer, the name of your manager, and how and when you are paid.
Collect pay stubs or personal records of your earnings and hours worked. While you don’t require documents spanning the duration of your employment, you should normally go back at least a few months, if not a few weeks, from the date of the occurrence that gave birth to your complaint.
If you do not have all the necessary information, offer as much as possible so that the employees investigating your complaint can accurately identify your employer.
For example, you may have been working at a different location and have forgotten your employer’s office address. Taking a picture of the license plate of a work car on your working site might help you find your boss.
Reporting Dangerous Working Conditions in Florida
Make a note of the hazard or dangerous circumstance. Occupational health and safety violations must be reported to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). You’ll need to describe the situation in detail, including when you noticed it and how long it’s been going on.
If the violation can be observed simply by glancing at a photograph, it is also useful to take images of the danger.
If additional workers have noticed or been affected by the disease, provide their names as well.
If the danger is life-threatening, call the OSHA toll-free hotline. While you may report dangerous working circumstances online or by phone, these means are insufficient if there is a hazard that might lead to an emergency. Call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA if the situation is immediately life-threatening.
Contact 911 before dialing the OSHA toll-free hotline if an accident has already occurred. OSHA does not dispatch first responders in the event of a workplace accident.
What Are the Remedies Involved in Most Florida Employment Complaints?
Legal remedies for the majority Florida labor law violations may include the following:
- Compensation for economic losses (lost wages, for example)
- Returning an employee to their old employment after being wrongly sacked
- Providing employees with access to career advancements, perks, and retirement plans (for example, if they were denied a promotion due to prejudice)
In severe circumstances, legal action may be required against the employer. The employer may be required to pay a civil fine or face additional penalties.
5 Steps to Filing a Florida DOL Claim
Filing a claim with the Florida Department of Labor is as simple as five steps. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to help you get started.
1. Consult with Your Boss
Before taking legal action against your company, attempt to resolve the problem internally first.
Don’t get emotional while approaching your boss. Speak professionally to get your concern handled.
2. Determine Whether Your Employer Is Required to Follow Federal Law
Contact the WHD to see if the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Medical Leave Act, or other federal statutes cover your claim.
If your complaint falls outside these statutes’ scope, the Department of Labor may be unable to help you. Before filing a federal grievance, you must exhaust all state resources.
3. Gather the Necessary Information
The information you supply is the most important part of your claim. You cannot submit a claim without it. Make sure you have all of the necessary documents.
4. Submit the Complaint
You may register a complaint with the DOL in two ways. You may locate the nearest DOL office by visiting their website or start your claim by phoning 1-866-4USWAGE.
5. Conduct a Follow-Up
Let the DOL handle the rest when you register your complaint. The Department of Labor will manage your employer’s payments. If your employer violates your rights, the DOL will penalize them. All of the DOL’s services are free to create the finest working environment for you.
Other Factors to Consider
It might be difficult to begin a claim against your employer. An expert attorney can guide you through the procedure. When coworkers learn you have a case, they will have questions. It is preferable to remain quiet. Keep all facts and techniques to yourself until your case is over.
Remember that you only have a certain amount of time to register a claim. There are exceptions, but it is better to act fast.
What Information Do You Need to File a WHD Complaint in Florida?
When you register a complaint with the DOL’s Wage-Hour Division (WHD), all services are free, and your employer cannot fire or discriminate against you because you filed a complaint. To register a complaint effectively, you must provide precise information about yourself and your employer, such as:
- Your name
- Your mailing address and phone number
- The name of the business where you work (ed)
- Name of the company
- Company location
- Phone number of the company’s manager or owners
- What kind of job you did
- When and how you were compensated
Your file is complete after you have submitted all of the needed information. Other official documents, such as pay stubs, employment records, or supplementary employee information, may be useful in your case as well.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help With Employment Complaints in Florida?
In Florida, employment complaints must be submitted in a specified way. It might be difficult to know where to submit your claim initially.
Consider consulting with a Florida workplace lawyer if you have any job problems. Your attorney may assist you with the filing procedure and give legal advice and representation during hearings.
