Overtime Regulations
As explained in greater detail on the U.S. Department of Labor’s website, “the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local government.” Some of the FLSA’s key requirements are (1) that covered non-exempt workers be paid the minimum wage; and (2) that covered non-exempt workers be paid overtime pay at a rate of not less than one and one-half times their regular rates of pay.
FLSA Claims are on the Rise
According to recent figures, approximately 8,954 FLSA cases were filed between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015. That is up from approximately 8,086 FLSA cases filed in 2014, and an increase of more than 30% since 2011. For those of us who live and work in Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale or other areas of South Florida, perhaps the most interesting statistic is that of the approximately 8,954 FLSA cases filed throughout the United States, no area received more filings than the Southern District of Florida, where 1,145 FLSA cases were filed. The next highest area was the Middle District of Florida, with 608 FLSA cases.
Why so many filings in Florida? In part, it is because Florida is home to a number of small businesses. By their very nature, small businesses need to focus their limited resources on operations that grow their business. There simply isn’t enough time to devote to non-revenue generating operations like human resources. As result, mistakes can and do happen. However, there are other factors at play, including but not limited to the fact that we have some very litigious neighbors down here in Florida.
We Understand Both Sides
At Storrings law, our Coral Springs-based firm understands both sides of the argument. Employees expect and deserve to be properly paid for the time they spend working. Conversely, employers do not deserve to be taken advantage of by employees simply “looking to get rich” by filing frivolous claims. No side is always right or always wrong – each case is unique. That is why Storrings Law represents both sides of the dispute.
If you are an employee and you believe that your employer failed to properly compensate you for the time you have worked, or if you are an employer accused of failing to compensate an employee for time worked, Storrings Law can help.
At Storrings law, our Coral Springs-based firm assists employers in preventing lawsuits by providing guidance and counsel to ensure compliance with employment laws. However, we also fight for those that need representation – regardless of whether that is an employee or employer.