The 2024 presidential race is just around the corner, and it is shaping up to be another fiercely contested race that may bring out strong opinions on all sides. Add in several global conflicts and the prevalence of social media in political debate, and you have a recipe for political disagreements in all areas of life—including the workplace. Not only can political disagreements negatively impact office morale, but they can also create potential risk of liability for the employer. As we get further into this election year, it is important for Florida’s business owners to know the rules surrounding political speech in the workplace and how to navigate these issues while mitigating risk.
Is Political Speech Protected Under the Law?
In deciding how to approach political speech in the workplace, the first question that comes to mind is always: is this speech protected by law? The answer may seem obvious but, like many aspects of employment law, the answer is more nuanced and requires a review of state, federal and local laws.
