Florida adheres to the at-will employment doctrine. This means that, in the absence of a specific contract or agreement, an employer can generally terminate an employee for any reason (or no reason at all), as long as the reason is not illegal. Similarly, an employee is free to leave a job at any time without notice. For example, an employer could dismiss an employee due to a change in business needs, while an employee could resign to pursue a different opportunity.
This legal framework offers significant flexibility for both employers and employees in the state. Businesses can adapt quickly to changing market conditions by adjusting their workforce, while individuals have the freedom to pursue their career goals without being bound indefinitely to a single employer. This principle has historically been a cornerstone of labor law in the United States, promoting economic dynamism and individual liberty. However, its important to note that certain exceptions exist, such as protections for employees against discriminatory practices or retaliatory termination.