New Overtime Rules For Salaried Floridians

New Overtime Rules For Salaried Floridians

How New Overtime Rules Will Affect Salaried Floridians

You may have heard on the news that President Obama recently signed into law new overtime rules (i.e. the final rule). While many workers consider laws that can potentially put more money in their pockets a good thing, there is still some confusion as to whom the new rules actually cover.

Floridians Currently Covered By Overtime Rules

Currently, all hourly workers are covered by overtime rules. If an hourly worker clocks more than 40 hours in a week, their employer is required by law to pay them time and a half (1.5 times hourly pay) for each hour they work over the 40-hour cap.

Salaried workers are only covered if they make less than $23,660 a year. Some salaried workers who make more than the $23,660 limit can earn overtime. In addition, non-exempt employees who make less than $100,000 a year are also eligible for overtime. However, those individuals who find themselves in “exempt” positions and who make over $23,660 a year are not eligible for overtime (generally managers and other white collar professionals).

Floridians Affected By New Overtime Laws

With the new changes taking effect on December 1, 2016, salaried workers who make $47,476 or less annually will be eligible for overtime. This change raises the salary percentile to cover up to the 40th percentile of salaried workers nationwide and will include some white collar professionals who were previously exempt from overtime.

Part of the final rule change also ensures that every three years the numbers will be reviewed and updated to continue to cover the lowest paid 40th percentile. Rather than allowing salary overtime limits to go unchanged for years until they are outdated and ineffective, this will ensure that those who make less are not taken advantage of.

In an effort to better clarify the final rule, the Department of Labor has issued overviews, fact sheets, and more to help employers better implement the changes and to help employees better understand their rights.

While some employers plan to pay their employees overtime or restrict their work hours to 40 hours a week, others are raising wages to make their employees exempt. Regardless, the goal is clear: to ensure that Americans are getting paid fairly for the work they do. The Department of Labor believes the rule will improve work-life balance and productivity and may also create more employment opportunities.

The goals of the final rule are lofty. For now, only time will tell what effect the new overtime regulations will have. In the meantime, there are still employees who are being cheated by employers who have chosen to disregard wage and labor laws. If you believe you are not receiving your full paycheck, it’s important to speak with a Tampa unpaid wages lawyer to begin the claims process immediately.

Not Getting Paid? Speak With a Tampa Unpaid Wages Lawyer

If you believe you’ve been shortchanged by a current or past employer, speaking with a Tampa unpaid wages lawyer may provide answers.

Labor laws are clear: employees should be paid for all the time they work, they should never be asked to work off the clock, and certain employees are entitled to overtime pay. If an employer has altered your timesheet to avoid paying you overtime, asked or forced you to work off the clock, or is withholding pay for another reason, seeking legal advice from a Tampa unpaid wages lawyer is your best bet for getting what is owed you.

You work hard and deserve every cent you make—don’t let someone steal from you. Consult with a Tampa unpaid wages lawyer to learn more.