How Long Can a Non Compete Agreement Last in Florida

Non-compete agreements are a common tool used by businesses to protect their trade secrets, clients, and employees. These agreements typically restrict employees from working for a competitor for a certain period of time after leaving their current job. However, the specifics of non-compete agreements can vary from state to state, including in Florida.

So, how long can a non-compete agreement last in Florida?

In Florida, non-compete agreements are subject to the “reasonable time” rule. This means that a non-compete agreement must be reasonable in terms of time, geographic scope, and the nature of the work to which it applies. While there is no specific maximum length of time that a non-compete agreement can last in Florida, a court will likely find an agreement to be unreasonable if it lasts longer than two years.

Additionally, non-compete agreements in Florida must be signed in writing and must be supported by a legitimate business interest. This means that the employer must have a valid reason, such as protecting trade secrets or customer lists, for requiring the employee to sign a non-compete agreement.

It is also important to note that Florida law allows employees to challenge the validity of a non-compete agreement in court. If a court finds that a non-compete agreement is unreasonable or not supported by a legitimate business interest, it may be deemed unenforceable.

Overall, while there is no specific maximum length of time for non-compete agreements in Florida, the agreements must be reasonable in terms of time and other factors. Employers should ensure that their non-compete agreements are supported by a legitimate business interest and are not overly restrictive, or risk having the agreement invalidated in court.