Labor & Employment Law
Private Whistleblowers in Florida
Florida’s private whistleblower law provides critical protections for employees who report illegal activities or refuse to participate in unlawful practices by their employers. These protections are designed to encourage employees to come forward without fear of retaliation, fostering accountability and transparency in the workplace.
Under this law, private-sector employees working for employers with 10 or more employees are safeguarded against adverse employment actions such as termination, demotion, or suspension when engaging in whistleblowing activities. Knowing your rights, the potential damages you can recover, and the deadlines for filing a claim is essential for protecting yourself and ensuring justice in cases of employer retaliation. Additionally, Florida’s laws work alongside federal protections, offering whistleblowers multiple avenues for legal recourse.
Private Whistleblowers Frequently Asked Questions
Employees who work for private employers with 10 or more employees are protected when they:
- Disclose or threaten to report employer violations of laws, rules, or regulations
- Provide information to government agencies investigating their employer
- Object to or refuse to participate in employer practices that violate laws, rules or regulations
No. It is unlawful for employers to take adverse employment actions (including discipline, demotion, suspension, or termination) against employees who engage in whistleblowing activities.
- Reinstatement to the same or equivalent position
- Compensation for back pay, front pay, lost bonuses and benefits
- Compensatory damages for emotional pain, suffering, and reputational harm
- Attorneys’ fees and costs
Important Note: Punitive damages are not recoverable under Florida’s private whistleblower law. Additionally, if an employee pursues a claim and does not prevail in court, they may be liable for the employer’s attorneys’ fees and costs.
Claims must be filed in court within either:
- Two years after discovering the retaliatory action, OR
- Four years after the retaliatory action was taken
Whichever comes earlier.
Yes. Additional state law protections exist for employees who:
- Report discrimination or retaliation violations under federal or state law
- Report Florida minimum wage violations
- Report employer fraud related to government payments
- Report child abuse or elder abuse to appropriate authorities
Yes, several federal laws protect whistleblowers and prohibit workplace retaliation. These protections are in addition to state-level protections.