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FLORIDA - Florida lawmakers passed a bill that would make it easier for businesses to enforce noncompete agreements against high-earning former employee.
The legislation, HB 1219, now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk and, if signed, would take effect July 1st.
The bill establishes new standards for when noncompete and garden leave agreements are enforceable.
Only employees earning more than double the median wage, about $93,720 based on Florida’s 2024 median income, could be subject to the agreements.
It also caps the length of noncompetes at four years, a longer duration than typically seen in other states.
Supporters argue that the legislation will attract businesses to Florida by providing stronger protections for trade secrets and intellectual property.
The Florida Senate passed the bill on April 24th by a largely party-line vote of 28-9, with most Democrats opposing it.
If enacted, the law would allow companies to seek injunctions preventing former employees from working for competitors while noncompete disputes are resolved in court.
Currently, Florida requires employers to show that a noncompete serves a legitimate business interest and is reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic range.
Nationally, the Federal Trade Commission attempted to implement a nationwide ban, but federal courts blocked it in 2023.
Florida’s proposal signals a clear departure, positioning the state as one of the few seeking to strengthen noncompete enforcement at a time when most others are trying to curb it.
Governor DeSantis’ office has not yet commented on the bill.