Sanford Employment Lawyer

Expert Sanford Employment Attorney

Employment is a major part of many Florida adults’ lives, so it can be devastating when issues arise at work. Whether you are experiencing discrimination because of a protected characteristic or have not been paid for overtime, employment issues can cause financial instability, stress, and long-term career impacts. A Sanford employment lawyer can pursue justice against your employer for violating employment laws.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A.?

With more than 30 years of legal experience, the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., has upheld the legal rights of countless employees. With us, you can work with a Florida Bar-Certified Employment Law Attorney who understands the complexities of Florida and federal employment laws.

We know how impactful employment matters can be, which is why we work tirelessly to pursue a fair recovery for every client.

An Overview of Employment Cases in Sanford

Employment cases arise when an employer doesn’t adhere to the employment laws designed to protect employees. This can include violations of labor laws or cases that involve employees’ protection against discrimination and harassment.

Employment cases can happen at any employer, whether you work for the Seminole County Public Schools, Central Florida Regional Hospital, or a smaller business. Most cases are filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and must be submitted within 180 or 300 days of when the issue occurred.

Types of Employment Issues We Handle at the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A.

At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., we can investigate and take legal action for a variety of employment matters. No matter what kind of issue you are having, it is worth speaking with a Sanford employment attorney about your legal options. Some of the most common employment cases we handle include:

• Workplace discrimination. This involves an employer making business decisions, such as hiring, pay, scheduling, promotions, or firing decisions, based on an employee’s protected characteristic. Examples of protected characteristics include race, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, and gender.
• Sexual harassment. 82% of women and 42% of men have experienced sexual harassment or assault. One type of workplace sexual harassment is a hostile work environment, which can happen when the unwanted conduct is severe or pervasive enough to impact your ability to work comfortably. Another kind of sexual harassment at work is quid pro quo, which involves someone requesting sexual favors in exchange for favorable employment benefits.
• Overtime violations. Employees who work more than 40 hours a week are owed overtime pay, which should be at least one and one-half times their regular wages. You could file a claim if your employer is refusing to pay you overtime. You may also be eligible to take legal action if they are forcing you to work off the clock, rather than adhering to overtime laws.
• Whistleblower claims. A whistleblower claim involves an employee’s right to report their employer’s illegal activity. This includes reporting issues such as fraud or workplace safety violations.
• Retaliation. In the 2025 fiscal year, there were 4,728 charges of retaliation in Florida. Retaliation cases involve an employer penalizing an employee for exercising their rights, such as their right to report illegal activity or participate in an investigation. Often, retaliation can include negative performance reviews, wrongful termination, or reduced pay or hours.

Why You Should Hire an Employment Lawyer

Just because you are experiencing employer misconduct does not mean your case is going to succeed. You must adhere to strict procedural requirements. You also need sufficient evidence of your employer’s actions and the damages you have suffered as a result. A Sanford employment lawyer can help you by:

• Communicating with your employer on your behalf
• Explaining the filing procedures and deadlines for your case
• Gathering evidence to support your claim
• Calculating the value of your damages
• Negotiating for a fair settlement

FAQs

What Can You File a Claim Against Your Employer for in Florida?

You can file a claim against your employer in Florida if they:

• Discriminated against you.
• Are not paying you for your work.
• Retaliated against you for filing a complaint.
• Engaged in other violations of your employee rights.

If you feel as though your employer is acting illegally or violating your rights to a safe and fair workplace, you should hire an employment lawyer who can explain your legal options.

What Are the Odds of Succeeding in an Employment Claim?

The odds of succeeding in an employment claim depend on the facts of your case. The chances of success are higher with strong evidence of your employer’s misconduct, such as:

• Direct documentation of their illegal actions
• Records of communication where they admit to an illegal action

An experienced Sanford employment attorney can explain the strengths and weaknesses of your case and whether you are likely to succeed in a claim against your employer.

How Can You Prove That You Are Being Treated Unfairly at Work?

Proving that you are being treated unfairly at work requires a great deal of evidence of the employer’s actions, along with the damages you have suffered as a result. Some common types of evidence used in an employment case include:

• Emails
• Text messages
• Written complaints
• Disciplinary records
• Witness statements
• Performance reviews
• Pay stubs
• Employee training records

What Rights Do I Have as an Employee in Florida?

As a Florida employee, you have several rights under Florida and federal employment laws. Key rights to be aware of include:

• Protection against harassment and discrimination
• Protection against retaliation for exercising protected actions
• The right to be paid fairly for your work
• The right to work in a safe environment

If you think your rights are being violated, you should file a complaint within your company. If this does not resolve the issue, speak with a lawyer.

Consult a Skilled Sanford Employment Attorney About Your Employment Issue Today

It can be frustrating when your employer doesn’t protect your rights or address issues in the workplace. However, this does not mean you are out of options. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., to learn how filing a claim can help you with employment law matters.