{"id":3351,"date":"2026-10-24T07:50:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T07:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/outside-general-counsel-for-businesses\/employer-wage-claim-defense-attorney-miami-dade\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T14:40:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:40:19","slug":"employer-wage-claim-defense-attorney-miami-dade","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/outside-general-counsel-for-businesses\/employer-wage-claim-defense-attorney-miami-dade\/","title":{"rendered":"Wage Claim Defense Attorney Miami-Dade | KEW Legal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-3349\" alt=\"Desk with employee handbooks, wage and hour compliance records, and legal correspondence in a small business office.\" src=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-employee-handbooks-wage-and-hour-compliance-record-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-employee-handbooks-wage-and-hour-compliance-record-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-employee-handbooks-wage-and-hour-compliance-record-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-employee-handbooks-wage-and-hour-compliance-record-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-employee-handbooks-wage-and-hour-compliance-record-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-employee-handbooks-wage-and-hour-compliance-record-photo.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Employment Law for Employers | Coral Gables, Miami-Dade<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Wage Claim Defense for Miami-Dade Employers<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">When an employee files a wage claim, your business needs a clear response. KEW Legal focuses on employment law for employers and helps Miami-Dade and South Florida companies review the records, respond carefully, and protect their position. Responsible attorney: Kristina E. Wilson, Coral Gables office.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13059902300\">Schedule Your Free First Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">Schedule Your Free First Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Kristina E. Wilson \u00b7 Published October 24, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>An employment wage claim defense attorney helps a business respond when a worker says it is owed unpaid wages or overtime. The first steps matter most: reading the notice, checking the deadlines, and testing the records before anyone replies. KEW Legal handles these matters as part of its employment law work for employers in Miami-Dade and South Florida.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Wage Claim Against an Employer Involves<\/h2>\n<p>A wage claim is a demand that a business pay money an employee or former employee says is owed. It usually alleges unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, late or missing final pay, or pay held back without permission.<\/p>\n<p>Claims arrive in different forms, and each form calls for a different first step:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A demand letter from the worker or the worker&#8217;s lawyer.<\/li>\n<li>A written pre-suit notice under Florida&#8217;s minimum wage law.<\/li>\n<li>A complaint filed with a government agency.<\/li>\n<li>A lawsuit in state or federal court.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Owners often treat a letter as noise. Each stage has its own clock, so the review should start the day the notice arrives.<\/p>\n<p>This page is for owners, managers, and HR leads of Miami-Dade and South Florida businesses facing one of these claims. Kristina E. Wilson, one of the lawyers at KEW Legal, is responsible for this page. The firm has offices in Coral Gables and Sunny Isles Beach.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a wage demand, agency notice, or lawsuit just reached your business, you don&#x27;t have to face it alone, and our team can review it with you. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13059902300\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wooden-letter-tiles-spelling-lawyer-sit-on-a-desk-in-a-blurr-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden letter tiles spelling &quot;LAWYER&quot; sit on a desk in a blurred office.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Wage Laws That Commonly Apply to Florida Employers<\/h2>\n<p>Florida&#8217;s minimum wage rules come from the state constitution and the Florida Minimum Wage Act. Federal wage law can apply alongside them, and local rules may also apply.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Minimum wage schedule.<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?Mode=Constitution&amp;Submenu=3&amp;Tab=statutes#A10S24\">Fla. Const. art. X, \u00a7 24<\/a> raises the state minimum wage each September 30 until it reaches $15.00 an hour on September 30, 2026. Later increases follow inflation and take effect each January 1.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hours covered.<\/strong> Employers must pay the state minimum wage for all hours worked in Florida, but only to individuals entitled to receive the federal minimum wage under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, and its implementing regulations. A short paycheck can raise a state law issue, not just a contract issue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Posters.<\/strong> Each employer that must pay the Florida minimum wage must display a notice. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0400-0499\/0448\/Sections\/0448.109.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 448.109<\/a> poster is made each year in English and Spanish. The <a href=\"https:\/\/floridajobs.org\/florida-minimum-wage\">Florida Department of Commerce<\/a> explains the state schedule and posting duties.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pay items.<\/strong> Commissions, bonuses, and deductions often drive these claims. The agreement and the payroll records decide whether the money was owed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Who is an employee.<\/strong> For Florida&#8217;s whistleblower provisions (ss. 448.101-448.105), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0400-0499\/0448\/Sections\/0448.101.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 448.101<\/a> defines an employee as a person who performs services for and under the control and direction of an employer for wages or other remuneration, and the term does not include an independent contractor. The term does not include an independent contractor. Independent contractors are excluded.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Good faith.<\/strong> An employer that proves a good-faith violation, with reasonable grounds for believing it was lawful, may avoid some or all liquidated damages. A court decides the amount. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0400-0499\/0448\/Sections\/0448.110.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 448.110<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Wage Claim Defense Covers<\/h2>\n<p>Wage claim defense covers the review, the response, and the case itself. It can run from the first letter through settlement or trial.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Notice review.<\/strong> Identify the laws cited, the time period claimed, the workers named, and every deadline.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Records review.<\/strong> Test payroll, timekeeping, schedules, and classification against the claim. Missing or conflicting time records make a defense harder, so they get early attention.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Document and communication guidance.<\/strong> Preserve records, and set clear rules for what managers say to staff while a claim is open.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Written response or pre-suit negotiation.<\/strong> Respond in writing to the worker, the worker&#8217;s lawyer, or the agency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Court defense.<\/strong> Defend individual or multi-worker lawsuits in state or federal court.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Settlement terms.<\/strong> Structure the release and explain how payments are treated.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Practice fixes.<\/strong> Update payroll, timekeeping, and classification so the same problem is less likely to return.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Handbook language matters too. A handbook is not automatically a contract. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/470811\/opinion\/Opinion_00-3393.pdf\">Quaker Oats Co. v. Jewell<\/a>, a policy statement creates contract rights only if it shows an explicit agreement that the manual is a separate employment contract.<\/p>\n<h2>How a Wage Claim Defense Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>A wage claim defense usually moves through five steps, and the notice clock starts first.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>First conversation.<\/strong> Describe the claim and the date the notice arrived. Note any response deadline.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Document intake.<\/strong> Gather pay records, time sheets, schedules, agreements, handbook pages, and prior correspondence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assessment.<\/strong> Review the law, the records, and the business&#8217;s exposure. Explain the options in plain terms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Response plan.<\/strong> Decide whether to respond directly, negotiate, or prepare a formal defense.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resolution.<\/strong> Negotiate a settlement, or litigate through motions, discovery, and, if needed, trial. Timing depends on the forum and the claim.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The written pre-suit notice carries a short clock. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0400-0499\/0448\/Sections\/0448.110.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 448.110<\/a>, the notice must state the minimum wage claimed, the work dates and hours, and the total unpaid amount. The employer then has 15 calendar days after receiving it to pay the total amount of unpaid wages or otherwise resolve the claim to the satisfaction of the person aggrieved. The filing time limit is paused during those 15 days.<\/p>\n<p>Some matters may be referred to another lawyer or firm. We will say so when that applies.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Business Owners Work With KEW Legal on Wage Claims<\/h2>\n<p>KEW Legal works with business owners as outside general counsel, and wage claims fit into that role. The firm focuses its practice on business law, including <a href=\"\/resources\/outside-general-counsel-for-businesses\/\">outside general counsel for businesses<\/a>, employment law for employers, and business contract and commercial disputes.<\/p>\n<p>Wage defense does not stand alone. The same review of payroll, handbooks, and worker classifications that answers a claim can also help prevent the next one. That ongoing work is the outside general counsel model.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Locations.<\/strong> The firm has offices in Coral Gables and Sunny Isles Beach. It serves business owners across Miami-Dade and South Florida.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lawyers.<\/strong> Kristina E. Wilson is responsible for this page. Natalie Martinez is also one of the firm&#8217;s lawyers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plain communication.<\/strong> The firm explains costs and next steps in plain terms, without promising any result.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Questions Employers Ask About Wage Claims<\/h2>\n<p>Most owners ask the same few questions early. Short answers follow.<\/p>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What are our odds of winning a wage claim?<\/summary><p>No outcome can be predicted in advance. The answer depends on the facts, including the records, the worker&#8217;s role, and the law that applies.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should we tell HR or staff that we are getting a lawyer?<\/summary><p>Keep staff updates neutral, and avoid comments about the worker. Retaliation is a separate problem, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0400-0499\/0448\/Sections\/0448.102.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 448.102<\/a> bars retaliation for objecting to a practice that violates law. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0400-0499\/0448\/Sections\/0448.102.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 448.102(3)<\/a>, an employee is protected from retaliation for objecting to, or refusing to participate in, an employer activity, policy, or practice that violates a law, rule, or regulation.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can an employee sue for unfair pay in Florida?<\/summary><p>A person aggrieved by a violation of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0400-0499\/0448\/Sections\/0448.110.html\">Florida Minimum Wage Act<\/a> may bring a civil action under that section. Before bringing a claim for unpaid minimum wages, however, the person must notify the employer in writing of an intent to sue, identifying the minimum wage claimed, the actual or estimated work dates and hours, and the total amount of alleged unpaid wages through the date of the notice. The employer then has 15 calendar days after receiving the notice to pay the unpaid wages or otherwise resolve the claim.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long do we have to respond to a demand?<\/summary><p>For a written minimum wage notice, the business has 15 calendar days after receipt. Other deadlines depend on the claim type and the forum, so a prompt review matters.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can we get a free consultation?<\/summary><p>Yes. KEW Legal offers a free first consultation that is confidential and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can we fix past pay problems ourselves?<\/summary><p>Possibly, but review any payment or notice before it goes out. Payments and letters can change your exposure, so plan them with counsel.<\/p><\/details>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13059902300\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/two-people-in-an-office-reviewing-paperwork-together-during-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Two people in an office reviewing paperwork together during a discussion.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With KEW Legal About a Wage Claim Against Your Business<\/h2>\n<p>Start with the notice itself. Note the date you received it, and gather any letters, pay records, or handbook pages you have.<\/p>\n<p>If a wage demand, agency notice, or lawsuit just reached your business, the clock may already be running, and you don&#8217;t have to face it alone. Call 305-990-2300 or <a href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">send us a message<\/a> about the claim.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>The engagement of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. The information on this website is general information about KEW Legal and the services we offer; it does not constitute legal advice and is intended for informational purposes only. Accessing this website or contacting our firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. KEW Legal, 16690 Collins Ave Ste 1101, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How We Approach Wage Claim Defense<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Records First<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We start by reviewing payroll, timekeeping, schedules, and written policies so your response is based on what the documents actually show.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protecting Your Position<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We help you evaluate the claim, identify defenses, and avoid statements or actions that could weaken your position.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clear Communication<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explain your options in plain language and help you decide how to communicate with the employee, the agency, or opposing counsel.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Employer-Focused Counsel<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our practice is built around the employer&#x27;s side of employment disputes, from the first internal question to the response on the record.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Speak With Counsel Before You Respond<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not reply to a wage demand, change pay practices, or take action involving the employee until you have reviewed the claim with an attorney. Early, careful handling can make a meaningful difference.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13059902300\">Call 305-990-2300<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">Call 305-990-2300<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Steps to Take After a Wage Claim<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Preserve Your Records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep payroll, time, scheduling, and communication records intact. Do not alter or discard anything related to the employee.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Limit Internal Discussion<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep staff updates neutral and avoid comments about the worker. Share information only with those who need it to respond.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Review the Claim With Counsel<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A confidential review helps you understand the allegations, the documents at issue, and the practical options available to your business.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Respond Deliberately<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We help prepare any written response, settlement discussion, or agency communication so it is accurate and consistent with your records.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Get Your Free, Confidential First Consultation<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13059902300\">Call 305-990-2300 or Send Us a Message<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">Call 305-990-2300 or Send Us a Message<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Letter of Intent Breach Attorney Florida | KEW Legal<\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/outside-general-counsel-for-businesses\/employment-law-attorney-for-employers-miami-dade\/\">Employment Law Attorney for Employers in Miami-Dade County<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/outside-general-counsel-for-businesses\/fractional-general-counsel-for-small-businesses-florida\/\">Fractional General Counsel for Small Businesses in Florida: Monthly Legal Support<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/outside-general-counsel-for-businesses\/general-counsel-for-small-business\/\">General Counsel for Small Business<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/outside-general-counsel-for-businesses\/how-to-deal-with-a-dishonest-business-partner\/\">How to deal with a dishonest business partner?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/outside-general-counsel-for-businesses\/how-to-handle-a-toxic-business-partner\/\">How to handle a toxic business partner?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wage claim defense for Miami-Dade employers: unpaid wage and overtime demands, Florida notice deadlines, and how to respond. Talk with KEW Legal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":14,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/outside-general-counsel-for-businesses\/employer-wage-claim-defense-attorney-miami-dade\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/es\/asesor-legal-externo-empresas\/abogado-defensa-reclamos-salariales-empleadores-miami-dade\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/outside-general-counsel-for-businesses\/employer-wage-claim-defense-attorney-miami-dade\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"name\": \"Wage Claim Defense for Employers in Miami-Dade\", \"@type\": [\"Service\", \"FAQPage\"], \"about\": [{\"name\": \"Fair Labor Standards Act\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Florida Minimum Wage Act\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Final paycheck claims in Florida\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Worker misclassification as exempt or independent contractor\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}], \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"abstract\": \"Answers the questions employers ask when a wage or overtime claim first arrives, including how wage claims are brought, how a defense is structured step by step, and how to communicate with staff while a claim is pending.\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"BusinessAudience\", \"audienceType\": \"Business owners, managers, and HR leads facing an employee wage or overtime claim\"}, \"keywords\": \"employment wage claim defense attorney Miami-Dade, wage claim defense Florida employer, unpaid overtime lawsuit defense Miami, FLSA lawsuit defense Miami-Dade, final paycheck claim employer Florida, wage and hour attorney Miami-Dade\", \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"KEW Legal\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Miami-Dade County, Florida\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Broward County, Florida\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}], \"knowsAbout\": [\"Wage claim defense\", \"Overtime and minimum wage compliance\", \"Final pay requirements in Florida\", \"Payroll and timekeeping records review\"], \"description\": \"Explains how Miami-Dade and South Florida employers can respond to demand letters, agency notices, pre-suit claims, and lawsuits alleging unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, unpaid final pay, or improperly withheld compensation. 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The answer depends on the facts, including the records, the worker's role, and the law that applies.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Should we tell HR or staff that we are getting a lawyer?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Keep staff updates neutral, and avoid comments about the worker. Retaliation is a separate problem, and Fla. Stat. \u00a7 448.102 bars retaliation for objecting to a practice that violates law. Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 448.102(3), an employee is protected from retaliation for objecting to, or refusing to participate in, an employer activity, policy, or practice that violates a law, rule, or regulation.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can an employee sue for unfair pay in Florida?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A person aggrieved by a violation of the Florida Minimum Wage Act may bring a civil action under that section. 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