Yes. Florida is a right-to-work state. Florida was among the nation’s 1st “right-to-work” states; they passed the legislation in 1943. It is one of 28 states with well-recognized “right to work” laws that shield a person’s decision in unionized office settings.

Right-to-work legislation is a matter of some debate as the rules are mainly concerned with the use of labor unions. Workers in right-to-work states cannot be forced to enter a labor union as a requirement for continuing to work.

A few presume that Florida’s “right to work” law, implies that an employer or employee can cut off an employment relationship at any time, regardless of cause. Although this is partly correct, it is not exactly what “right to work” implies or is meant to really do.

In the most basic terms, it suggests that an individual can work in the state irrespective of whether they belong to a union or not. Florida’s “right to work” law has been a source of contention well before the existing language was incorporated into the state constitution in 1968.

While some see it as a positive thing as it offers employees flexibility in their particular profession, others, including many labor and employee rights groups, are hostile since they believe right-to-work states seem to be anti-union and don’t shield workers from unfair employer decisions whilst also putting the expense of preserving employees’ rights (member and nonmembers) on the union as well as dues-paying members.

What is an At-Will State for Employment?

At-will employment signifies that an employer can terminate a worker for whatever reason, excluding those considered illegal under the law, or for no rationale whatsoever without risking potential obligations. In the same vein, a worker also reserves the right to walk away from an employment at any time for any or no rationale.

At-will employment also signifies that the employer can modify the terms of the contractual relationship at any time even without notification or repercussions.

In Florida, the de facto employment status is “at-will,” although there are options for workers to discuss a contract upon hiring that includes some level of protection. An employment agreement can be amended to help shield a worker from being fired without reason, whether on an individual level or as a direct consequence of collective bargaining outcomes.

If you negotiated a deal when you were hired, take it out and read it. There could be phrases stating that you can be dismissed if certain criteria are met. If you are dismissed for a specific purpose not specified in the contract, you can be able to sue your employer.

Difference Between Right to Work and At-Will Employment

“At-will” and “right to work” are keywords that are quite often used in correlation with employment in Florida, and many folks use them synonymously. Meanwhile, they all have varying meanings and interpretations for workers.

Right-To-Work

Right-to-work statutes don’t really dictate resignation or release from employment. In right-to-work states (for example, Florida, Texas, and Wyoming), a worker reserves the right to choose to work for an organization without being mandated to actively support or join a labor union, and therefore cannot be dismissed if he or she chooses to belong to a union. Likewise, a worker is entitled to resign from the union at any period.

Employment At-Will

All states in the United States are seen as employment-at-will States aside from Montana. This simply entails that both the employer and the employee can choose to terminate the employment contract or agreement at any time, regardless of the reason, as far as the reason is not ethically wrong or considered unlawful. Consider the following exceptions:

  • Employers are not legally permitted to dismiss their employees for something like a “protected” reason (age, gender, or religion).
  • Before terminating an employee, the company’s Employee Handbook will have to be followed to the letter especially if it states that some processes are compulsory to be followed.
  • Employment contracts (for example, agreements for collective bargaining or agreements for individuals) may exist.

Conclusion

Even though Florida is a “right-to-work” state, your job is much more likely “at will,” which means your employer can fire you for just about any lawful justification. If you think that you were wrongfully dismissed from your employment or want to know if you have reasons for legal recourse under Florida’s right-to-work laws, you should consult an attorney.