Forced/ Rushed Non-compete under threat of termination.

My C.O has just recently updated its non compete. They are forcing the sales force to sign immediately under threat of termination. How long do I have to have to look over this document or get it to legal council to look over? I have not yet received my copy to sign so I have not yet fallen under this threat of termination. If I do end up being fired will I have any legal ground to stand on for a wrongful termination?

2 answers  |  asked Jun 30, 2009 6:52 PM [EST]  |  applies to Florida

Answers (2)

David Goldman
Florida is an at will employment state which means that you can be fired at anytime for any non-protected reason which would include refusing to sign. I have had many clients who ask for time to review the agreement to understand what they are signing. Most employers are willing to provide a reasonable time to review the contract. Once you understand what you are signing, it may be possible to narrow the scope of the agreement or clarify ambiguous language through document modification, external emails, or other means which might be able to be used in the future to explain the language in the contract.

posted by David Goldman  |  Jul 24, 2009 11:55 PM [EST]
Archibald Thomas
Non-compete agreement

There is no minimum time required under Florida law to consider a non-compete agreement. Assuming you are an at will employee, your employer may terminate you for refusing to sign, and you would have no legal recourse except for the possiblilty of an unemployment compensation claim.

posted by Archibald Thomas  |  Jul 1, 2009 2:08 PM [EST]

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