Florida Man Sues MarineMax After Termination Following Request for Mental Health Leave
Bradley Wiese, a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has filed a federal employment lawsuit against MarineMax, Inc. and MarineMax East, Inc. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 0:26-cv-60039-RS, alleges that the boat retailer violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Florida Civil Rights Act by terminating Wiese shortly after he sought treatment and leave for a serious mental health condition.
Vice President of Motor Yacht Sales Alleges Disability Discrimination and Retaliation Against MarineMax
According to the complaint, Wiese was recruited by MarineMax to serve as the Vice President of Motor Yacht Sales in early 2024 based on his successful track record in the motorcoach industry. The plaintiff alleges that he suffered from mental health disabilities, specifically anxiety and depression, and that the company was well aware of these conditions. In September 2024, MarineMax management even assisted Wiese in locating an inpatient facility for treatment during an acute mental health episode. Despite this history and his continued performance, Wiese claims that his situation took a professional turn for the worse when he experienced a subsequent crisis in March 2025.
MarineMax Accused of FMLA Interference and Violating Florida Civil Rights Act Following Hospitalization
The lawsuit details a timeline beginning on March 12, 2025, when Wiese notified executive leadership and human resources that he had been hospitalized due to severe anxiety and depression. While the company initially provided FMLA paperwork with a deadline of March 28 to return the documents, Wiese alleges that the defendants took adverse action before he could even complete the process. After requesting to use paid time off to address his immediate treatment needs, Wiese claims he was pressured and eventually instructed by supervisors to cease all communication with his sales team and cancel his attendance at the Palm Beach International Boat Show leadership events.
Complaint Claims Pretextual Termination for Loss of Confidence Following Mental Health Disclosure
On March 25, 2025, less than two weeks after his hospitalization and while he was still within the window to submit his FMLA paperwork, Wiese was informed by a Vice President that he was being terminated. The company allegedly cited a loss of confidence as the reason for the firing. Wiese contends that this explanation is a mere pretext for unlawful discrimination and retaliation. The complaint argues that the close temporal proximity between his request for medical leave and his termination proves that the decision was based on his disability and his attempt to exercise his rights under the FMLA and the ADA.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Lost Wages and Emotional Distress Following Intentional Employment Law Violations
Wiese brings ten counts against MarineMax and its subsidiary, covering discrimination and retaliation under federal and state law. The lawsuit states that as a result of the termination, Wiese has suffered significant financial losses, including back pay and lost benefits, as well as emotional pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. He is seeking a judgment for compensatory damages, front pay, and punitive damages, alleging that the company acted with malice or reckless indifference to his protected rights. The plaintiff also requests that the court award reasonable attorneys fees and costs as provided by the various civil rights statutes.
Contact an Employment Disability and Medical Leave Lawyer Today if You Suffered Retaliation
Employees who face termination or adverse actions after disclosing a disability or requesting medical leave may be entitled to significant compensation under federal and state employment laws. Companies like MarineMax are legally prohibited from retaliating against staff members who seek reasonable accommodations or FMLA protection for mental health conditions. If you or a loved one has experienced workplace discrimination or was fired after requesting leave for a serious health issue, contact our team of experienced employment injury lawyers today to discuss your rights and potential legal claims.
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Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
