There are numerous reasons why you may want to contact the Department of Labor in Florida. Note that you may want to file a complaint, or just get answers to certain questions that have to do with labor laws and issues.
Agreeably, it is the Department of Labor’s (DOL)’s duty to enhance employees’ working conditions, improve their opportunities for profitable employment, safeguard their retirement and health care, solidify free collective bargaining, and track changes in employment.
Also note that the DOL handles a wide range of Federal Labor laws, including the right to safe working conditions, minimum hourly wages, overtime pay, freedom from discrimination, insurance for unemployment, and other income support.
Owing to that, if any of your rights were violated in the state of Florida, you should file a complaint with the Florida Department of Labor. When it comes to fair treatment in the state of Florida, have it in mind that anything from harassment to wage issues can become a complaint.
At this point, it becomes a question of if you intend to file a Florida state lawsuit or a federal complaint. For a state lawsuit, the employee is expected to first let their employer know of their claim. The law grants an employer 15 days to respond to the claim and also strive to resolve it.
After 15 days, if the employer is yet to resolve the situation, then the employee can then file a lawsuit with the Florida state court.
Steps to File a Complaint with the Department of Labor Online
When looking to file a complaint with the Florida Department of Labor online, here are simple steps to guide you through.
Table of Contents
Talk to your Employer
The first step when looking to file a complaint with the Department of Labor online is to first let your employer know of your claim. Have it in mind that the law grants an employer 15 days to respond to the claim and also strive to resolve it.
After 15 days, if the employer has still not resolved the situation, then you can go on with filing a complaint with the Department of Labor online. However, remember to approach your employer professionally, not emotionally, to see if they may address your complaint.
Ensure your Employer is required to follow Federal Law
The Wages and Hours Division of the DOL is known to handle violations against laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and other federal laws. If your complaint is outside of these laws, the DOL may not be able to help you.
Collect the Required Information
Have it in mind that the information you provide will go a long way to dictate the success of your claim; without it, you will more or less have no complaint to file. Owing to that, you must bring the necessary documents and have all of the required information.
File your Complaint
To file your complaint with the Department of Labor Online in Florida, you have to visit Florida’s state department of labor website.
Once you navigate to the website, click on “Complaint Forms.” If you prefer to fill out a paper form, click “Print Form” in the right corner to generate a paper copy. Aside from that, complete the online form. Have it in mind that all your complaints are confidential and will have to be filed within two years of the event.
Follow Up
After you must have filed a complaint, have it in mind that the Department of Labor in the State will look into it and handle it appropriately. If wages are to be paid, the department of labor will manage the payment of that money and most often enforce penalties on your employer.
The Florida Department of Labor is always available for free services to help build and promote the best working conditions for employees in the state.
Information You Need to File a Complaint with the Department of Labor Online in Florida
To successfully file a complaint, you have to make available very detailed information about you and your employer. This information may include;
- Your name
- Your address and phone number
- The name of the company where you work(ed)
- Location of the company
- Phone number of the company
- Manager or owners name
- Type of work you did
- How and when you were paid
Note that once you have made available all of the necessary information and your file is complete, the Department of Labor in the State will look into it and handle it appropriately. You may also have to provide other official records, such as pay stubs, personnel records, or additional employee information that will be helpful for your case.
Conclusion
The Department of Labor in Florida works to assist employees working in the state of Florida with complaints that have to do with compensation, labor practices, and violations of youth labor laws. Note that to file a complaint with the Department of Labor online, you will have to follow the agency’s formal complaint process.