Non-compete agreements are becoming a popular condition for employment in a variety of industries in Southwest Florida. Non-compete agreements typically prevent an individual (former employee) from competing with an employer after employment has been terminated. This may sound like a savvy business move for employers in certain industries, but it can have a pretty serious impact on a person’s ability to earn a living. Whether your employer is asking you to sign a non-compete agreement, you’ve already signed one or you are a business owner who is reasonably concerned about trade secrets and solicitation of clients, you should contact an experienced employment law attorney for guidance.

Before You Sign a Non-Compete Agreement

Since a non-compete agreement can greatly impact your ability to earn a living, you need to contact an experienced employment law attorney before you sign one. A lawyer can go over a non-compete agreement and tell you how restricting it’s going to be after employment ends with that particular business. Ultimately, if you’re going to sign it, you have to be comfortable with the conditions.

If You’ve Already Signed a Non-Compete Agreement

If you’ve already signed a non-compete, you should speak with an attorney and raise your concerns before your employment ends. If you’re out of work and dealing with the ramifications of a strict non-compete, you should still seek legal advice. In Florida, most non-competes are enforceable. This means there is a pretty good chance that your previous employer will hold you accountable for your actions if you violate a non-compete. That being said, some non-compete agreements may not be enforceable. Every situation is different, so you need to speak with an attorney about the non-compete agreement you have signed.

What Employers and Business Owners Need to Know

Employers, managers and business owners who are concerned about maintaining confidential business information, trade secrets and protection of specialized employee training among other issues should consider having new employees sign non-compete agreements. Additionally, if you’re concerned about a previous employee taking established clients or customers away from your business, you should also consider a non-solicitation agreement. Contact Weldon & Rothman, PL today for professional preparation and drafting of non-compete agreements and non-solicitation agreements. Additionally, our experienced team can also assist you with enforcement of these agreements.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida citizens with employment law issues contact an experienced local Florida employment law attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their labor and employment law matter. If you have been the victim of illegal activities at your workplace, then feel free to contact Attorney Rothman at Weldon & Rothman, PL toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail at info@weldonrothman.com

Bradley P. Rothman is an experienced Florida employment law attorney who has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star.  He is a principal member of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.