Illegal Termination of Employment in Jacksonville

Losing your job is stressful under any circumstances. But when you suspect your termination was illegal, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. Many workers in Florida are unaware of their rights when it comes to being terminated and the legal recourse available to them. Understanding the laws that protect employees can help you determine whether your dismissal violated state or federal law and inform the next steps you can take.

At Cruz Law Firm, P.A., our attorneys have nearly 20 years of combined legal experience representing employees who have been wrongfully terminated, retaliated against, or otherwise mistreated in the workplace. Our firm has recovered over $15 million for clients in employment and civil rights cases, holding employers accountable for unlawful behavior. Contact our team today to find out how we can help you. 

What Makes a Termination Illegal in Florida?

Florida is an “at-will” employment state, which means an employer can terminate a worker at any time and for nearly any reason or for no reason at all. However, illegal termination of employment in Jacksonville occurs when an employer fires someone for a reason that violates federal or state law or an employment contract.

Common examples of unlawful termination include:

• Discrimination – Termination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics violates both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA), or other federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
• Retaliation – Employers cannot legally fire an employee for reporting workplace violations, including discrimination, sexual harassment, wage violations, or unsafe working conditions. They are also prohibited from firing an employee as retaliation for taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or filing a workers’ compensation claim.
• Whistleblowing – Employees who report illegal conduct, such as fraud or regulatory violations, are protected under state and federal whistleblower statutes.
• Contract violations – Some employees work under written employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements that specify conditions for termination. Firing someone in breach of those terms can form the basis for a wrongful termination lawsuit.

When a firing occurs for one of these unlawful reasons, employees may be entitled to legal recourse and potentially significant financial compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.

Signs You May Have Been Illegally Terminated

Not every firing is illegal, but certain warning signs suggest your employer may have acted unlawfully. Workers often recognize patterns that raise red flags.

A sudden dismissal after you file a complaint with HR or participate in a workplace investigation is one of the most common indicators of retaliation. Similarly, being replaced by someone outside your protected category, such as a younger employee after years of strong performance, can suggest discrimination.

Other signs of wrongful termination include:

• Inconsistent explanations for your firing or vague “policy violations” that are never explained
• Termination following medical leave, pregnancy, or a request for disability accommodation
• Denied payment of final wages or accrued benefits after your dismissal
• Sudden changes in treatment by supervisors after you report harassment or unethical behavior

If any of these apply to your situation, it is critical to consult with an experienced wrongful termination attorney who can help determine whether your rights have been violated under unjust termination laws.

Common Myths About Wrongful Termination in Jacksonville

Many Jacksonville employees misunderstand what constitutes wrongful termination. These misconceptions can prevent them from taking timely action to protect their workplace rights.

One common myth is that employers must give a warning before firing someone. In most cases, they are not legally required to provide notice, as long as the reason for termination is lawful and legitimate. Another misconception is that being fired “without reason” is automatically illegal. In an at-will state like Florida, this is not true unless the underlying motive involves discrimination or retaliation.

Some employees also believe HR must have proof of misconduct before termination. In reality, employers often make decisions based on perception, reports, or other internal factors that may be subjective. However, if you can prove that those reasons were merely a pretext for discrimination or retaliation, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.

Understanding these myths helps you distinguish between unfair treatment and illegal action – and focus your efforts on what can be proven.