Steele Law Group, P.A.

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1. What does litigation cost?

The law firm of Steele Law Group, P.A. prides itself on providing high quality, professional legal services at a competitive rate.  However, litigation is by its nature expensive.  The firm does not accept work on a contingency fee basis and requires a substantial deposit from clients wishing to engage in complex litigation. 

Initial consultations are available at our standard hourly rates.  We encourage potential clients to view our frequently asked questions  page before scheduling an initial consultation.

If you are unable to afford a lawyer, we suggest you contact a local bar association or legal aide office in your city to learn more about reduced cost legal representation.

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2. What is a "restrictive covenant" under Florida law?

A "restrictive covenant" is any restraint of trade that is not per se illegal under the federal Sherman Antitrust Act or the Florida Antitrust Act.

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3. What sort of agreements quality as "restrictive covenants"?

Primarily, such agreements include non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and non-disclosure agreements; other agreements qualifying as "restrictive covenants" include exclusive-dealing agreements and other agreements governed by the "rule of reason."

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4. What Florida Statutes currently regulate "restrictive covenants"?

Section 542.335 governs restrictive covenants "entered into or having an effective date on or after July 1, 1996."

Section 542.33 governs restrictive covenants "entered into before July 1, 1996."

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5. What are the key differences between Section 542.33 and Section 542.335?

Section 542.33 prohibits all restraints of trade other than those restraints specifically identified in the statute:

  1. Seller of goodwill of a business;
  2. Shareholder of a corporation "selling or otherwise disposing of all of her or his shares in said corporation may agree with the buyer"...or refrain from carrying on or engaging a similar business and from soliciting old customers of such employer within a reasonably limited time and area, so long as the buyer

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Steele Law Group, P.A. | 201 East Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 425, Tampa, FL 33602 | 813 223 2060 fax: 813 223 2065 www.steelelawgroup.com