Protecting Your Workplace Rights And Responsibilities With A Trusted Employment Law Attorney
Last updated on April 24, 2025
Employment law impacts every aspect of the workplace. Whether you are an employer working to maintain compliance or an employee fighting for your rights, you have the right to legal support.
At Brown & Kimpton, P.A., we have served the Tampa Bay area for over 20 years. Our team approaches every case with a comprehensive understanding of workplace dynamics. We are deeply committed to protecting your interests, offering knowledgeable, strategic legal support.
Legal Services For Employers
Staying compliant with state and federal employment laws is essential when running a business. Employers must comply with a variety of labor laws, including:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Florida Civil Rights Act
Brown & Kimpton, P.A., helps businesses develop clear and consistent workplace policies that align with these regulations for a professional and fair environment.
Best Practices For Hiring And Firing
Hiring and firing are areas where employers are most vulnerable to claims. We guide you in:
- Conducting lawful interviews and background checks
- Implementing non-discriminatory hiring practices
- Documenting employee performance thoroughly
- Conducting lawful and respectful terminations
Following the proper procedures helps protect your business from costly disputes.
Wage And Hour Law Compliance
Proper employee classification and pay practices are crucial. We assist employers with the following:
- Correctly classifying employees, either as exempt or non-exempt
- Calculating overtime pay accurately
- Meeting minimum wage requirements in Florida
By addressing these issues proactively, you can avoid wage claims and penalties.
Employee Handbooks And Workplace Policies
An employee handbook sets the tone for a lawful, organized workplace. We can help you draft handbooks that include:
- Anti-discrimination and harassment policies
- Leave policies compliant with FMLA
- Code of Conduct expectations
A well-crafted handbook is your first line of defense in avoiding employment disputes.
Conducting Workplace Investigations Correctly
When allegations of misconduct arise, employers must act quickly and fairly. Our lawyers provide guidance on:
- Conducting impartial investigations
- Properly documenting findings
- Protecting confidentiality throughout the process
A well-handled investigation can prevent issues from escalating into costly litigation.
Defending Against Employment Claims
Should a claim arise, we are ready to defend your business against allegations of:
- Discrimination
- Wrongful termination
- Wage violations
- Harassment
Our attorneys are skilled litigators and negotiators, prepared to advocate for your interests.
Training And Development For Managers And Employees
Training programs are critical to creating a compliant workplace culture. We offer:
- Anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training
- Management seminars on employment law obligations
- Customized workshops tailored to your business needs
An educated workforce is a protected workforce.
Legal Services For Employees
We are equally passionate about protecting employees who have been treated unfairly. We support workers across Tampa in the following areas:
Discrimination In The Workplace
Under Florida and federal law, protected classes include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability and marital status. We assist employees who face discrimination related to hiring, firing, promotions, pay and harassment.
Suppose you believe you have been discriminated against. In that case, we can guide you through filing a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, reporting harassment or taking protected leave under laws like the FMLA.
Florida follows the “at-will” employment doctrine. This means employers can terminate employees at any time for any reason or no reason at all as long as the reason is not illegal.
Workplace Harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive work environment. Other forms of harassment can include bullying, intimidation or offensive conduct based on protected characteristics.
Employers can be held liable if they knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take prompt and appropriate action.
If you are experiencing harassment at work, you should document all incidents in detail and report the harassment to your employer.
Wage And Hour Issues
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of one and a half times their regular hourly wage for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Common wage and hour violations include:
- Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
- Incorrectly labeling employees as “exempt”
- Failing to pay overtime
- Not paying for off-the-clock work
- Deducting unlawful expenses from employees’ wages
If you believe you have not been properly paid, you can file a wage claim with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) or pursue a claim through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Florida-Specific Employment Laws For Every Employer And Employee
Florida’s employment laws have unique features, including:
- The Florida Civil Rights Act prohibits workplace discrimination
- The Florida Whistleblower Act protects reporting employees
- The Florida Minimum Wage Act sets state-specific wage floors
- The at-will employment doctrine with recognized exceptions
Understanding these laws is crucial whether you are leading a company or standing up for your rights as an employee.
Secure Your Workplace Rights
At Brown & Kimpton, P.A., we serve Tampa, Florida, with top-tier services. Contact us at 813-576-3790 or online for a free consultation. We are available 24/7.