I work as a temporary bail bond agent in the state of Florida. In order to become permanent agent I have to go through 1 year apprenticeship under a bail agent. My boss is going to have me sign a non-compete form in order to prevent me from quitting after my year is up and opening my own business.
I want to know, can this form really prevent me from quitting after I get my license and opening my own business in the same county? Or is this form really just meant to erase the thought about me opening my own business. I have worked for 2 other bondsman, so he wouldnt have taught me everything about the business. Also, how long are they effective, if it can be used against me.
2007-08-15 05:57:52 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I also have spent my first 6 months at the other 2 bonding agencies, so I only have another 6 months left of apprenticeship at this one.
I havent seen a form number, its just supposed to be a form that prevents me from quitting and competing against him after finishing my apprenticeship in 6 months.
2007-08-15 06:13:05 · update #1
Noncompetes are generally enforceable if they are reasonable as to time and geographic scope. I belive that Florida is a little pickier than most states about how long the time can be and how big the scope is (for example, if your boss doesn't do any business in part of the county, a court may rule that the noncompete is overbroad if it prevents you from setting up shop in that part of the county). But each one is different, and rules about the noncompete's formation and language vary A LOT from one state to another. If you have the $$$, go to a lawyer and have him/her review it for you. It should only cost a couple hundred bucks, and you can either (a) suggest an alternative to your boss, or (b) have an idea about the agreement's enforceability.
2007-08-15 06:40:39 · answer #1 · answered by Perdendosi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most non-compete contracts have a length of time attached to them. For example, you would not open a competing business for 1 or 2 years after completing the apprenticeship. An open ended one with no time limit would be unenforceable.
2007-08-15 06:05:31 · answer #2 · answered by Michael C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ONLY state in which a non-compete has been found to be unenforcable on its face is California.
That being said, if the contract is found to be reasonable (i.e., the length of time and scope is not unreasonable) then it can be upheld.
An example is if you are not allowed to work for another firm or start your own within 1 year and 250 miles. That is reasonable and enforcable.
What is NOT reasonable is if you are not allowed EVER to open your own business or work for someone else or the scope is the Entire U.S.
2007-08-15 06:20:29 · answer #3 · answered by hexeliebe 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
that's not a criminal count, it incredibly is civil. No police officer could arrest you. in spite of the shown fact that, non-compete clauses have been got here across to be valid see you later as not unreasonable in length of time or distance. right here, you're going 40 miles out and apparently like your non-compete clause demands purely 25 so which you should be ok.
2016-12-15 16:00:47 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not enough information.
What "form" is this? Can you provide a form number?
2007-08-15 06:09:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋