While Florida is an at-will employment state and therefore it is permissible under the law to terminate an employee for any reason unrelated to a protected category, employers should always document disciplinary and performance issues. Employment laws require equal treatment for all employees, regardless of their inclusion in a protected category. Without a documentary record of performance issues, it becomes more difficult for employers to establish defenses to a potential claim of disparate treatment from an employee.
In addition, it is also important for employers to document issues as well as to conduct investigations where necessary prior to issuing discipline. This makes it more likely that management will be consistent in its treatment of employees, and provides a documented history of the issues to support a termination decision if necessary.
Lawyers from BT Law Group have extensive experience advising clients about disciplinary issues as well as maintaining proper documentation prior to termination to be in the best position possible in the event of an administrative proceeding or litigation. If you need assistance with handling employee disciplinary issues and managing performance, please contact the attorneys at BT Law Group.
