Legal Question in Business Law in Florida

Training Reimbursement Contract

A year ago I obtained employment as a Crime Lab Analyst. In accepting the position I was required to sign a Training Reimbursement Contract. The contract stated that in exchange for my training (18-20 months) I agreed to work for the state for three years. If I voluntarily vacated my position early, I agreed to reimburse the state for the cost of my training (if I resigned during training, I would pay a pro rata amount).

I am now in a bind. I have been accepted to medical school and am seeking to resign my position. Aside from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of attending medical school, I came to the realization that I do not like the day-to-day duties performed by an analyst. I am 1 year into the training program and informed my supervisor of my the offer and my desire to study medicine�1 day after I received the verbal offer from the University.

My supervisor is excited, supportive, and encouraging. Unfortunately, the decision to enforce the terms of the contract is not his. It is higher up the chain-of-command (an executive board). I await the executive board�s decision regarding my future.

I am seeking advice/information on steps I may seek to take if the state demands reimbursement.

Thank you.


Asked on 9/19/06, 3:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

Re: Training Reimbursement Contract

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

If I understand your question correctly, you entered into a Contract wherein you agreed to reimburse the State of Florida for the costs incurred in training you as a crime lab analyst. You agreed to reimburse the State for the cost of your training if you voluntarily resigned during training.

It seems extremely clear to me. If the State demands reimbursement, you should pay the monies you lawfully owe. The State expended monies on you under the terms of the Contract which clearly set forth a penalty clause if you chose to breach the agreement. Now, you are voluntarily choosing to breach the Contract for any opportunity to go to medical school. Why should you not have to pay back the monies for your training?

Scott R. Jay, Esq.

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Answered on 9/19/06, 5:52 pm


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