How do I File a complaint With the Florida Department of Labor?
It is the Department of Labor (DOL)’s duty to improve employee’s working conditions, advance their opportunities for profitable employment, protect their retirement and health care, strengthen free collective bargaining, and track changes in employment. The DOL does this for every state, including the Florida Department of Labor. In doing so, the DOL oversees a variety 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. If any of your rights were violated in the state of Florida, then you should file a complaint with the Florida Department of Labor.
Common Types of Complaints
When it comes to fair treatment at your workplace, anything from harassment to wage issues can become a complaint. At this time, it becomes a question of whether you want to file a Florida state lawsuit or a federal complaint. For a state lawsuit, the employee must first notify their employer of their claim. The employee has 15 days to respond to the claim and potentially resolve it. After 15 days, if the employee has not resolved the situation, only then can it be filed with the Florida state court. The employee may want to hire an attorney at this time.
You may also file a federal complaint. Your type of case determines the method of filing, but you may begin the process by visiting one of Florida’s seven DOL offices. You will be required to include specific information about yourself and your employer. Additional documents, such as pay stubs, may also help your case.
What Information You Need
When you file a complaint with the Wage-Hour Division (WHD) of the DOL, all services are free, and your employer cannot terminate or discriminate against you for filing a complaint. To successfully file a complaint, you need detailed information about you and your employer.
- 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
Once you have provided all of the required information, your file is complete. Other official records, such as pay stubs, personnel records, or additional employee information could also be helpful for your case.
The Process
When you file a complaint with the Florida Department of Labor, it is a simple five-step process.
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Talk to your employer –
The best first step in filing a complaint is not to file one at all. If the issue can be resolved internally, it is best to do so. Approach your employer professionally, not emotionally, to see if they may address your complaint.
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Make sure your employer is required to follow Federal Law –
The Wages and Hours Division of the DOL 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. Typically you. Must exhaust all of your state resources, before you can move to the federal level.
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Collect the required information –
The information you provide is critical to your claim; without it, you potentially have no complaint to file. Bring the necessary documents and have all of the required information.
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File your complaint –
All complaints are confidential and must be filed within two years of the event. You may begin your claim by calling 1-866-4USWAGE or visiting the division’s website to find the nearest office towards you.
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Follow up –
Once you file a complaint, it is then handled by the DOL. If wages are to be paid, they will manage payment of that money and possibly enforce penalties on your employer.
The Florida Department of Labor is available for free services to foster and promote the best working conditions for employees like you.
Contact an Experienced Tampa Employment Lawyer
If you’re in the Tampa area and have questions regarding an employment case in Florida, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
