Noncompetes for Physicians: What to Do

It seems like employers in just about every field are asking employees to sign noncompete agreements. Even those in the medical field are often asked to sign these documents.

People do not often take noncompetes seriously, but these documents are highly enforceable, especially in Florida. In July 2025, the state enacted the CHOICE Act, which means a noncompete can be enforced for up to four years in certain cases. The CHOICE Act does not apply to healthcare practitioners, but they could still be bound by a noncompete to some degree.

So what should they do? In these cases, both businesses and employees have legal rights. This means having a lawyer review the document is a good idea. Whether or not a noncompete is enforceable depends on factors such as state laws, court rulings, and the specific terms of the contract.

Employers can file a lawsuit if the contract is violated, so a physician should not just sign a noncompete without a second thought. Yes, the job market is tough right now but you should still take care when accepting job offers.

Whether you are an employer or an employee, you should never be pressured to sign a noncompete. Anyone who is a party to one should take the time to seek legal advice because certain conditions may apply in your case. Every employment situation is different.

One good reason why is that you may find out the noncompete agreement is actually not enforceable. Maybe the contract does not meet Florida’s standards. Perhaps the agreement is not protecting valid interest, such as a trade secret. Maybe the noncompete is too broad or vague.

In these cases, as an employee, you may be able to challenge the noncompete. At the very least, your lawyer can help you understand the terms and conditions of the contract and see where you can negotiate with the company.

For example, if you have a noncompete agreement in place with a former employer, the new employer can review it and make a decision on how to bring you over without violating it. Your attorney may be able to get some protection if you are sued by your former employer.

You may not think you are doing nothing wrong but large companies often have powerful legal teams and they have the means to come after you. If this is the case, you want to make sure that your new employer is willing to protect you. You do not want to be left high and dry.

Learn More About Noncompete Agreements

Noncompete agreements are highly enforceable in Florida, so it is important for businesses to understand their legal rights when asking employees to sign such a document.

Orlando noncompete agreement lawyer B.F. Godfrey from Godfrey Legal can help you draft a noncompete agreement that fits your business’ needs. Companies need to take advantage of the competitive edge such agreements can provide, while key employees need to protect their legitimate interests. Fill out the online form or call (407) 890-0023 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

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