Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida

Non-Compete Agreement-Florida

I have been working for my employer for 6 months and now they are asking for everyone to sign a Non-Compete Agreement. When I was hired I had signed a Non-Disclosure. Shouldn't this be sufficient enough and are they allowed to give me this ultimatium after 6 months? They are doing this because someone left the company to go to a competitor who has health insurance, bonuses, and other great benefits and my employer has NONE. My employer is now afraid that everyone is going to leave to go there because they obviously take care of their employees. Do I have to sign this to keep my job? The agreement states that '' Employee hereby agrees not to directly or indirectly compete with the business of the Company and its successors and assigns during the period of employment and for a period of 6 months following termination of employment and notwithstanding the cause or reason for termination.'' Also, they gave this to us at 5pm on a Friday and told us we had until Monday to sign it. I had tried to contact attorneys, but oviosuly all the law firmes were closed after 5 on Friday. Can they terminate me if i ask for an extension to sign the agreement to consult with an attorney? Any help is greatly appreciated!! Thank you in advance.


Asked on 4/19/08, 10:59 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

Re: Non-Compete Agreement-Florida

No, you do not have to sign it, but -- unless you have a contract that would prevent it (which is unlikely) -- they can discharge you. Welcome to Florida.

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Answered on 4/19/08, 11:47 am


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