Key Florida Law Changes 2025: Defamation, Non-Competes

Florida’s legal landscape continues to evolve, and for executives and business owners, staying informed about new laws is critical to protecting company interests and avoiding costly disputes. Three significant changes in 2025 directly impact litigation, contract enforcement, and business reputation. Adam Ludwin, a civil litigation attorney in Florida, breaks down the most consequential legal changes business owners should understand.

The 2025 Defamation Bill: Enhanced Protections and Shorter Timelines

One of the most significant changes affecting Florida businesses is the heightened focus on online defamation and platform responsibility. The proposed CS/HB 667 reflects legislative intent to give victims of defamation stronger remedies, particularly when defamatory statements persist on digital platforms controlled by media companies. The new law seeks to obligate media companies to remove false statements from their websites once notified, or face extended liability. If a platform fails to comply, the statute of limitations for defamation claims may reset, and the law removes the cap on damages in cases where defamatory material is not removed.

Non-Compete Agreements: The FTC Ban and Florida’s Position

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has moved to restrict non-compete agreements, and while Florida has not yet fully adopted the federal ban, the state’s approach to non-competes is becoming more favorable to employees and stricter on employers. Florida law under Statute § 542.335 requires non-competes to be reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area. Courts in Florida have increasingly scrutinized overly broad non-competes. Any Florida business considering enforcing a non-compete clause should have it reviewed by counsel immediately to ensure enforceability.

Maritime Law Updates Affecting Harbor and Dock Operations

For marina owners and maritime contractors, Florida’s 2025 maritime updates clarify liability protections and worker compensation requirements. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) remains the governing framework for maritime workers, but clarifications in 2025 address third-party liability, contractor classification, and employer responsibilities. Harbor operators and boat owners should understand the distinction between employees covered by LHWCA and independent contractors, as misclassification can lead to significant liability.

What Business Owners Should Do Now

Review all company-controlled digital content and remove any outdated or potentially defamatory statements. Audit all non-compete agreements with key employees and have them reviewed by a Florida litigation attorney. For maritime businesses, review worker classification, insurance coverage, and safety documentation.

The Bottom Line

2025 brings legal changes that increase liability exposure for businesses in three key areas: online defamation, non-compete enforcement, and maritime operations. If you are facing a potential dispute related to defamation, non-competes, contract breaches, or maritime operations, contact Adam Ludwin at Ludwin Law Group.