As an employee in Florida, you have certain rights regarding breaks and meal periods, which are regulated by both state and federal law.
Under Florida law, employees who are sixteen years of age or older and work for more than six hours per day must receive a meal break of at least thirty minutes. This break must be taken no later than five hours after the start of the employee's shift. However, there is no requirement for employers to provide rest breaks for general employees.
Federal law, on the other hand, mandates that employers must provide a meal break of at least thirty minutes for employees who work for more than six hours per day. Employees must be completely relieved of their work duties during this break. However, federal law does not require employers to provide rest breaks.
If your employer violates the break or meal period laws, you may be entitled to remedies such as back pay and other damages. You should first bring the issue to your employer's attention, in writing, and request that they remedy the situation. Should your employer refuse to take appropriate action, you may need to file a complaint with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity or the United States Department of Labor. Additionally, you may wish to consult with an experienced employment law attorney to determine your legal rights and options.
By
