Former FL Firefighter Files FLSA Lawsuit

A former Umatilla, Florida, firefighter has filed a lawsuit on behalf of himself and other similarly situated individuals [a.k.a. other current and former firefighters] alleging that his department failed to pay overtime as required by the FLSA. The complaint, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida on September 24, 2025, contains allegations that Umatilla firefighters regularly work beyond 106 hours in a 14-day work period without receiving any overtime pay. Quoting from the complaint:

• The Plaintiff began his employment with the Defendant in or about January 2025, and was employed as a firefighter.
• The Plaintiff’s regular rate of pay was $450 per 24-hour shift (or $18.75/hour), thus making his overtime rate $28.13 per hour.
• However, throughout his employment as a firefighter with the Defendant, Plaintiff was required to work well in excess of 106-hours in each 14- day work period without proper overtime compensation.
• In fact, Defendant maintained a policy across its operations whereby it required all of its firefighters to work in excess of 106-hours in each 14-day work period without proper overtime compensation.
• The Plaintiff was employed by the Corporate Defendant through 6- work periods and thus has suffered damages for unpaid overtime in the amount of approximately $6,751.20 (which totals at least $13,502.40 with liquidated damages).
• The Defendant’s policy has caused the Plaintiff – and those similarly situated – to lose tens of thousands of dollars.
• As a result of the above, the Defendant has violated the FLSA.

The lawsuit seeks:

• Back pay for all unpaid overtime.
• Liquidated damages (essentially doubling the back pay owed).
• Attorneys’ fees and costs.
• A jury trial.

Here is a copy of the complaint.