Update 10/24/2022
Most Employees in Florida are entitled to minimum wage. Yet, employers make improper deductions from employees’ wages. As such, employers maybe violating minimum wage laws.
Improper Deductions
Many employees contact us explaining that their employer is deducting money from their paychecks for cash register shortages, for mathematical errors committed by the employee, or for the employer’s customers leaving without paying their check. Such deductions maybe improper.
Many employers deduct the cost of uniforms and the cleaning of uniforms from an employee’s wages. This is potentially unlawful. A violation of law occurs from the deduction of the cost of uniforms or maintaining clean uniforms results in an employee’s wages to fall below minimum wage.
Proper Deductions
Employers may deduct from an employee’s wages the reasonable cost to the employer of meals regular furnished to employees. The reasonable cost charged to the employee cannot include any profit to the employer. An employer must maintain adequate records of the cost. Such costs cannot be deducted without adequate records. A violation of law occurs from the deduction for meals that results in an employee’s wages to fall below minimum wage.
Employers may deduct fuel, electricity, water, and gas if it is furnished primarily for the employee’s benefit. As with meals, the employer must adequately document the reasonable cost of these items. The cost charged to the employee cannot include a profit to the employer. Inadequate records or a profit results in an improper deduction. A violation of law occurs from the deduction for fuel, electricity, water, or gas that results in an employee’s wages to fall below minimum wage.
Please contact the employment lawyers at LaBar & Adams, P.A. in Orlando at 407-835-8968 or fill out the online form located on our website if you believe you are not receiving the wages you are entitled too.
