Non-compete agreements have long helped businesses protect client relationships, trade secrets, and competitive advantage—but the laws governing them are changing fast. Florida’s new CHOICE Act, passed in April 2025, will reshape how employers use non-compete agreements. Once signed by the Governor, the law will take effect on July 1, 2025. If your business relies on protecting client relationships or trade secrets, this change matters.

What’s New?

The biggest change: Florida now allows non-compete agreements to last up to four years. That’s double the previous two-year standard.

Key highlights:

  • Employers can restrict former employees from working for competitors for up to four years.
  • You no longer need to prove actual harm to get an injunction. A credible threat is enough.
  • The law now permits garden leave clauses. These require employees to sit out during a notice period while still receiving pay.

Why It Matters for Your Business

This law strengthens tools for protecting your company—but only if you act.

Longer non-compete terms mean you can protect your customer base and internal strategies for more time after a key employee leaves. But outdated agreements won’t give you those benefits. Many contracts don’t reflect the expanded limits or new options.

4 Steps to Prepare

  1. Review current non-compete agreements
    Check if they align with the new standards. Many old agreements won’t hold up.
  2. Update contracts for key employees
    Focus on executives, sales leaders, and anyone with access to sensitive business info.
  3. Consider adding garden leave
    This option can ease transitions and reduce post-employment restrictions.
  4. Make sure your agreements are clear and enforceable
    The law still requires terms to be reasonable in time, geography, and scope.

How The Frazer Firm Can Help

We help Florida business owners protect what they’ve built. If your employment contracts are outdated or unclear, we’ll make sure they meet the new legal standards. 📞 Let’s review your non-compete agreements before July 1. 👉 Schedule a Consultation

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