UPDATED THROUGH March 10, 2017

Non-Compete Covenants – Referral Sources.  Certified Conflict:  Are referral sources for patients in the health care industry “legitimate business interests” protectable by employers through non-compete covenants pursuant to section 542.335, Florida Statutes?  Americare Home Therapy, Inc. v. Hiles, No. SC16-400 (review granted July 8, 2016).  DCA decision:  183 So. 3d 449 (Fla. 5th DCA Dec. 31, 2015).  Status:  decision pending; Oral Argument Video (Mar. 9, 2017); briefing complete (Oct. 24, 2016); consolidated with SC16-28

Non-Compete Covenants – Referral Sources.  Certified Conflict:  Are referral sources for patients in the health care industry “legitimate business interests” protectable by employers through non-compete covenants pursuant to section 542.335, Florida Statutes?  White v. Mederi Caretenders Visiting Servs. of Southeast Fla., LLC, No. SC16-28 (review granted July 8, 2016).  DCA decision:  179 So. 3d 564 (Fla. 4th DCA Dec. 2, 2015).  Status:  decision pending; Oral Argument Video (Mar. 9, 2017); briefing complete (Nov. 22, 2016); consolidated with SC16-400.

Union – Collective Bargaining.  The Court found that the interpretation of the Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) and the First District would allow a local government, once it has declared a financial urgency, the ability to exercise a management right to unilaterally alter the terms and conditions of a contract before completing the procedures set forth by the Legislature in section 447.4095. This interpretation does not comport with our acknowledgment of and respect for the constitutional right of collective bargaining and prohibition of the impairment to contract. Headley v. City of Miami, Fla., No. SC13-1882 (review granted Aug. 28, 2014). DCA decision: 118 So. 3d 885 (Fla. 1st DCA June 19, 2013). Status: decided; Slip Opinion (Mar. 2, 2017); Oral Argument Video (Apr. 7, 2015); briefing complete (Jan. 22, 2015).