Does my former employer have to give me a copy of my contract?
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Does my former employer have to give me a copy of my contract?
I worked for an employer in Florida, as
an independent contractor and I was
required to sign a non compete contract
with them. At the time, I requested a
copy of the contract and they refused
to give me one. At this point, I really
don’t know what I am not allowed to do
or what my rights are since I don’t
have a copy of the agreement. In this
situation, what should I do? Do I have
a right to a copy of that agreement?
Asked on May 16, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, the law does not actually require one party to a contract to provide a copy of it to the other party, except if there is litigation. So if the employer thought you were violating the agreement and sued you to stop you, they would have to produce the contract during the lawsuit. Or you could affirmatively sue them, seeking a "declaratory judgment", or court determination as to what you can and can't do, and in the course of that suit, you could get the contract. But there must be litigation to compel them to provide it.
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