file-legal-complaint

Do you need to file a complaint against your employer? The Florida DOL oversees Federal labor laws. Have your rights been violated? If so, don’t hesitate to file a complaint.

The Florida Department of Labor responsibilities are:

• Strengthen free collective bargaining
• Protect employee retirement and health care
• Track changes in employment
• Advance employment opportunities
• Improve working conditions

Common Complaints Filed By Employees

In the workplace, you can file a complaint from harassment to lost wages. Do you want to file a federal complaint or a Florida state lawsuit? Have you decided to file a lawsuit? If the answer is yes, you have to notify your employer about your claim first. After 15 days, if your employer doesn’t respond or resolve the issue, you can file a claim with the Florida state court.

To file a Federal complaint, visit the Florida Department of Labor. Make sure to have as much information about you and your employer as you can. When you file a complaint with the Wage-Hour Division, your employer cannot terminate you for doing so. Also, there is no cost associated with filing a claim. The information you need to file a claim is:

  1. Company’s address
  2. Company’s phone number
  3. Owner’s name
  4. Your name
  5. Your address and phone number
  6. The name of the last company you worked at
  7. Your job description
  8. How you got paid

Any extra information you can provide will help your case.

5 Steps to File a Claim With the DOL

There are five easy steps to filing a claim with the Florida Department of Labor. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the process.

1. Speak with your employer

Before going all the way by filing a claim against your employer, try resolving the issue internally. When you approach your employer, don’t be emotional. Speak professionally to get your complaint addressed.

2. Check to See If Your Employer Has to Follow Federal Law

Contact the WHD to see if your claim falls under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Medical Leave Act, or other federal laws. The Department of Labor may not be able to assist you if your complaint is outside of these laws. All state resources must be exhausted before you can file a federal grievance.

3. Gather the Required Information

The most critical process of your claim is the information you provide. Without it, you have no claim to file. Make sure to have the required documentation.

4. File the Complaint

There are two ways you can file a complaint with the DOL. You can visit the DOL’s website to find the closest office to you or, you can begin your claim by calling 1-866-4USWAGE.

5. Do a Follow-Up

After you file your complaint, let the DOL handle the rest. The Department of Labor will manage your payments owed to you by your employer. If your employer has violated your rights, the DOL will enforce penalties on them. All of the DOL’s services are free to promote the best working conditions for you.

Other Considerations

Starting a claim against your employer can be overwhelming. Having an experienced attorney may help you through the process. When co-workers find out that you have a case, they’ll have questions. It’s best to stay silent. Until your case is over, keep all information and strategies to yourself. Keep in mind that you have a limited amount of time to file a claim. Although there are exceptions, it’s best to act quickly.