Established companies usually have written policies that require employees to be warned of the potential for termination for inappropriate behavior but many Florida companies don't.

Employees who work in an "at will" (no written agreement) job situation have limited recourse for termination unless there has been unlawful activity on the part of the company.

Employers who block former employees from collecting unemployment benefits by firing rather than laying them off are more concerned for the impact of unemployment fees on their bottom line than the effect the termination may have on an employee and his or her family. An employee of limited means generally finds they are unable to afford legal remedies even when appropriate. The appeals process through the unemployment authority is slow and cumbersome frequently leaving former employees in dire financial situations.

The good news is such companies eventually scheme themselves out of business, but the unseen damage they leave in their wakes can be devastating to the most defenseless in society.

Too many terminated employees, especially in commission fields, never see the final paycheck. Reputable firms will present an employee with a final paycheck the day of termination as well as a letter spelling out the reason for the termination. Florida has limited statutory provisions concerning a final paycheck and the ones that exist have no teeth leaving the terminated employee with limited recourse. Not paying a terminated employee a final earned paycheck is simply wrong.

Existing Florida statutes lack the bite needed to protect employers and employees alike in Florida's rapidly growing small business community---an advantage to the employer. In many other states more accustomed to rapid business growth, employers are put on notice by the legislature to tread carefully in areas of termination and compensation. Florida workers deserve no less consideration or protection.