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Why your business should have Non-Compete Agreements between Employers and Employees
April 15, 2022
Understanding the Business Value of a Non-Compete Agreement
The typical employee today is faced with a barrage of forms and paperwork when hired, much of it for personnel file criteria as well as emergency contact information and signing the person up for any health benefits to be provided with the position. However, one thing any business that has something to protect should also include, whether a small company or a large one, should be a non-compete agreement as well, especially if the employee is going to be working in a sensitive role.
What does a Non-Compete Agreement Protect?
A non-compete agreement, ideally crafted by a Tampa business litigation attorney, essentially protects the time, and work the company has invested in the employee. If the business, for example, has trade secrets or valuable information that gives it a market advantage, an employee could walk off and use that knowledge to leverage better pay from a competitor. The business would lose market share and ultimately be hurt. To stop that possibility from happening, a non-compete agreement blocks the employee from using or disclosing what he or she knows from their job to anyone else, at least for a set amount of time after separating. Usually, this is one year on average.
What Non-Competes are Enforceable in Florida?
Chapter 542.335, Florida Statues (2022 as amended) provides statutory scopes and guidance for what makes for an enforceable Non-Compete. The enforceability of a Non-Compete depends on whether the restrictions are reasonable in time, area, and line of business. Importantly, § 542.335, Fla. Stat. sets forth what restrictions are presumed reasonable or unreasonable based on the status of the parties to the Non-Compete Agreement. Disputes arising from Non-Compete Agreements are common. Fortunately, our firm can help through’s expertise, knowledge, and experience in non-compete litigation
If you or your company see disputes arising out of a Non-Compete Agreement or wants to prevent these disputes in the future, the first place to start is to talk to a Florida non-compete agreement lawyer. The skilled attorneys at Robert Eckard & Associates. P.A. has been handling all aspects of Florida non-compete and related business law for years. Call us to find out more and set up a consultation to meet with your Tampa Bay Non-Compete Litigation Attorneys.
Who and How Does it Protect?
If the agreement is violated by the leaving employee, the former employer can hire a Florida non-compete agreement lawyer to enforce the matter in court.
How Does My Company Get Started with an Agreement?
The best agreements are drafted and written by a Florida non-compete agreement attorney who can objectively look at what needs to be protected by the business and can avoid the emotional ties that might come with being the owner of the business or startup. This helps the company focus its legal protection on what is enforceable as well as what doesn’t encroach on the employee’s general rights under state law. The Law Office of Robert Eckard & Associates P.A. can help.