Retail is a huge industry in Southwest Florida and across the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida has the highest concentration of retail jobs of any state in the U.S. Additionally, Florida ranks number three in the nation for highest employment level in the retail occupation. Of the top five states with the highest employment level in retail, businesses in Florida pay their retail employees the least. Retail workers face a variety of different challenges, so it many cases, it may be necessary to speak with an experienced employment law attorney. Overtime violations, wrongful termination and unfair compensation are just a few of the issues that retail workers across the nation face each day.

Minimum Wage in Retail

Most retail workers, and many long-time retail associates, get paid minimum wage. Often times, they may only be asked to come in for short shift durations too. In Florida, the state mandated minimum wage is $7.79 per hour, which is higher than the federal minimum wage of $ 7.25 an hour. No matter what your employer tells you, you’re entitled to the larger state-mandated minimum wage. Until the federal minimum wage gets raised, you’re entitled to the larger of the two sums.

What About Overtime?

Retail operations are required to pay their qualifying employees overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It’s not uncommon for unscrupulous retail managers and business owners to attempt to reclassify employees in order to avoid paying rightful overtime hours. Additionally, an employer may ask an employee to work off the clock, or not pay an employee for certain types of breaks.

When to Contact an Employment Law Attorney

If you’re having trouble with your retail employer or you suspect they’re conducting some type of illegal practice, contact an experienced Southwest Florida employment law attorney as soon as possible. Whether you’ve been wrongfully terminated or unfairly compensated for your time, speaking with an attorney should be your top priority. Many employment law cases are time-sensitive, so the sooner the ball gets rolling on your case, the better. If your employer isn’t paying you minimum wage or your rightful overtime pay, contact the skilled employment law team at Weldon and Rothman, PL for a consultation today.

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.