Orlando Employment Lawyer

Orlando Employment Attorney

Contract disputes and allegations of discrimination lie at the heart of many employment law disputes in Orlando. Disagreements over contract terms and other violations can leave workers without promised pay or commissions. In some circumstances, they may have lost their job due to a wrongful termination. No matter the cause of the dispute, an Orlando employment lawyer can help you navigate the path toward accountability and fair compensation.

Why Choose Us?

Navigating contract disputes and employment issues requires an informed and strategic legal approach. Whether you are dealing with accusations of wrongful termination or a broken contract, you need legal representation that protects your interests and works toward an efficient resolution to the matter so you can return your focus to the daily operations of your company.

The Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., has a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients through negotiation and litigation. Gary Costales is board-certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar, a distinguishing honor granted to fewer than 200 lawyers statewide. As a former EEOC trial attorney, he brings a unique perspective and legal know-how to the cases he represents. Schedule your appointment today.

Understanding Employment Law in Orlando

Employment law plays a critical role in protecting the rights of employees in a large and economically diverse part of Florida. Across the state, 59,400 civil claims were filed between March 2022 and March 2023, meaning that there were 276 filings per 100,000 residents.

In metro Orlando, the region added 29,000 private-sector jobs from May 2024 to May 2025, expanding payrolls in Lake Nona, Parramore, and Baldwin Park alike. When workplace disputes erupt, claims typically funnel to the Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, the main venue for civil actions.

Employment law continues to shift. The U.S. Supreme Court made an important new ruling in a case involving nearby Sanford. The Supreme Court ruled that a retired Sanford firefighter cannot file a civil claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act for post-employment benefit changes.

Common Employment Law Disputes

Employment law disputes can take many forms. Commonly, these issues deal with accusations of wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, wage and hour violations, and breaches of employment contracts, among others.

Workers have important protections against discrimination at the state and federal levels. If a worker is denied a promotion or treated unfairly due to their age, race, religion, pregnancy status, or other protected characteristics, they can file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) or the EEOC.

• Wrongful termination. Losing your job for an unlawful reason, such as retaliation, discrimination, or refusing to engage in illegal conduct, may qualify as wrongful termination under Florida or federal laws.These cases often depend on proving the employer’s true motive and linking it to a protected activity or characteristic. Being fired in violation of the terms of your employment contract can also constitute wrongful termination.

• Workplace discrimination. Discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected traits is illegal in Florida workplaces. This includes unfair treatment in hiring, promotions, job assignments, or termination due to bias or prejudice.
• Wage theft. Wage theft occurs when an employer fails to pay overtime, withholds wages, misclassifies workers, or violates the state’s wage law. Florida employees can seek unpaid compensation through legal action under the Fair Labor Standards Act or state statutes.
• Breach of contract. When an employer violates the terms of a written or verbal employment agreement, that violation may provide grounds for a breach of contract claim. Common issues include unpaid commissions, early termination, or failure to honor promised benefits.
• Sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is an unfortunate reality in Florida’s workplaces. The offense can include unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or conduct that creates a hostile work environment. State and federal laws protect employees from this behavior and allow them to seek justice and damages.

Many employees find themselves facing retaliation after reporting misconduct. Disputes can also arise over non-compete agreements or misclassifications. When an employee is misclassified as an independent contractor, that allows their employer to avoid paying for important benefits like health insurance.

Understanding Your Rights as an Employee in Orlando

Employees in Orlando are protected under state and federal labor laws. Workers have the right to receive fair wages and work in a safe environment. They also have the right to work without being subjected to harassment, discrimination, and other forms of harm. If an employee witnesses unlawful conduct, they have the right to report that misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act often apply to employment law cases in Orlando. At the state level, the Florida Civil Rights Act and related statutes offer additional protections.

Basic rights under these laws include overtime pay, rest breaks, lawful leave, and other protected actions. When an employer violates the rights of a worker, that employee can take direct action against their boss with the help of an attorney.

The Financial and Emotional Toll of Workplace Violations

Employment law violations can seriously disrupt your finances and overall well-being. Workers in Orlando neighborhoods like Baldwin Park, Parramore, and Lake Nona often take on significant emotional stress when they are mistreated or unfairly terminated. Misconduct at work can leave workers feeling undervalued or even unwelcome at work.

The anxiety of not knowing how to pay bills or support a family can lead to sleepless nights and long-term emotional strain. Beyond the financial impact of missed wages or lost benefits, these violations can damage an employee’s confidence and hinder their hope for the future.

Workers who have been harassed, discriminated against, or wrongly terminated may struggle to find new employment or feel hesitant to ever report workplace misconduct again. For many, taking legal action can help them secure financial compensation while playing a vital role in restoring dignity and stability for other Orlando employees who have been wronged in the workplace.

Understanding Wage Disputes and Unpaid Overtime Claims in Florida

Disputes over wages and unpaid overtime are common reasons that workers seek out legal representation from an employment lawyer. Many workers across various industries are not paid for the time they’ve worked, whether that results from direct wage theft or misunderstandings about state and federal labor laws.

Under the FLSA, non-exempt employees must be paid at least the federal minimum wage. They must also be paid one-and-a-half times their normal hourly wage for any time put in past 40 hours in one week. In Orlando, workers in areas like hospitality, healthcare, construction, and other important work sectors frequently face these types of wage issues.

Employers may misclassify employees as independent contractors to avoid having to pay certain benefits. If an employer fails to compensate workers for off-the-clock work-related duties, they may be in violation of laws that are designed to protect workers from this form of wage theft. These practices violate laws designed to protect workers’ financial security.

What To Do if You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated

If you believe that you were wrongfully terminated, quick and decisive action can help you avoid serious financial losses. Your employer may be responsible for your lost wages and other damages once you establish that you were wrongfully terminated with the help of an attorney.

You can begin the process by collecting evidence to support your case. These could include your employment contract, performance reviews, emails, and any written communication about your termination. Next, consider reaching out to an employment lawyer. Even if you believe that you have strong evidence, that may not be enough to help you reclaim compensation.

An attorney can review your evidence to determine if it is sufficient to support an administrative complaint with a state or federal agency, like the EEOC or the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Whether you file a complaint or ultimately end up in court, having legal representation can ensure that you meet filing deadlines and secure the compensation and justice that you are owed.

Why You Need Legal Representation

Legal representation during an employment law dispute can play a significant role in protecting your rights as a worker and holding your employer accountable for the harm you suffered. An experienced attorney can help you understand the laws that apply to your case, gather and present strong evidence, and guide you through complex procedures like filing administrative complaints or pursuing litigation.

Knowing which path to take is not always clear if you do not have legal representation. In some cases, initial negotiations with your employer may resolve the matter without the need to file a complaint or take action in court.

Lawyers are more than representatives. They are skilled negotiators, litigators, and advocates who care about the outcome of your case. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid wages, discrimination, or wrongful termination, a lawyer ensures that your claim is taken seriously and you’re positioned for the strongest possible outcome.

Tips for Finding the Right Employment Law Attorney

There are plenty of employment law attorneys in Florida, but their experience and track record of success vary widely. Finding the right employment law attorney starts with researching lawyers who focus specifically on workplace disputes.

Look for attorneys with experience handling cases similar to yours, such as wage violations, discrimination, or wrongful termination. Credentials like board certification and positive client reviews can signal reliability. Schedule a consultation to assess their communication style and commitment to your case. A knowledgeable attorney should clearly explain your legal options and offer a strategy that can achieve your goals.

If you’re facing an employment-related legal issue, the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales offers experienced representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our firm has secured significant results for clients, including:

• $1.6 million settlement in a race discrimination and retaliation case filed by the EEOC

• $1.2 million settlement in a sexual harassment case involving restaurant workers

• $850,000 settlement on a whistleblower claim with qui tam components

• $550,000 presuit settlement in a sexual harassment case involving PTSD

• $440,000 settlement in an FMLA case against the City of West Palm Beach

Contact the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales today to discuss your case and get the strong legal advocacy you need.

FAQs

Schedule a Consultation With an Orlando Employment Law Attorney

Employment disputes can put your livelihood and reputation at risk. With legal representation from the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., you can take steps to enforce your rights under Florida and federal labor laws. Our firm has decades of experience representing workers in Orlando and across Central Florida.

Whether you’re facing discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract, we are ready to stand by your side. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and receive trusted legal support from a board-certified employment attorney.