Wrongful Termination in Florida
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Florida recognizes wrongful termination only for narrow public policy exceptions like jury duty and refusing illegal acts.
How Florida treats Wrongful Termination
Florida courts strictly limit wrongful termination claims to situations where an employee is fired for exercising a legally protected right, such as jury service, voting, or reporting illegal conduct. The state does not recognize claims based on implied contracts or breach of good faith and fair dealing in at-will employment. Florida requires the employee to show the termination directly violated an established public policy, applying a high threshold.
The general definition of Wrongful Termination
Illegal firing of an employee in violation of law, contract, or public policy.
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason or in violation of an employment contract or established public policy. Common illegal reasons include retaliation for reporting safety violations, discrimination based on race or gender, refusal to commit an illegal act, or exercising a legal right like jury duty. In most US states, employment is at-will, meaning employers can fire workers for almost any reason, but there are important exceptions. An employee who is wrongfully terminated can sue for damages, including lost wages and emotional distress.
Read the full Wrongful Termination entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Florida.