News Release
US Department of Labor recovers more than $29K for 15 workers after finding Florida hotel owner denied workers overtime
Employer: Fernwood Land LLC – operating as Executive Inn
Investigation site: 9424 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, Florida 32407
Investigation findings: U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigators found Fernwood Land LLC paid employees straight time for overtime work – hours over 40 in a workweek – and did so off-the-books and in cash, a violation of overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Back Wages and Liquated Damages Recovered: $29,976 for 15 workers
Quote: “Employers who attempt to evade paying their workers proper wages by paying off-the-books will be held accountable by the U.S. Department of Labor,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Wildali De Jesus in Orlando, Florida. “Fernwood Land LLC shortchanged 15 workers of the overtime wages they rightfully earned. In the end, the employer paid thousands more for disregarding the law. Other employers should review their pay practices to avoid similar violations and consequences.”
Background: Employers can contact the Wage and Hour Division at its toll-free number, 1-866-4-US-WAGE. The division also offers numerous online resources for employers, such as a fact sheet on Fair Labor Standards Act wage laws overtime requirements. Workers who feel they may not be getting the wages they earned may contact a Wage and Hour Division representative in their state through a list and interactive online map on the agency’s website.
