Florida Resident Sues Diving and Charter Companies for Federal Wage and Overtime Violations
Jonathan Marshall Howard, a resident of Florida, has filed a federal labor lawsuit against South Florida Diving Headquarters, Inc., Serenity Yacht Charters, Inc., Boynton Beach Diver Inc., and their owner William Jeffrey Torode. The complaint, filed in the Southern District of Florida under Case No. 0:26-cv-60025, alleges that the defendants failed to pay proper minimum wages and overtime compensation in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Office Manager and Diver Claims Wage Theft Against South Florida Diving Enterprises and Owner William Jeffrey Torode
The lawsuit describes Howard’s employment as both an office manager and a diver for a group of related business entities. According to the complaint, the defendants operated as a single enterprise with unified operation and common control for a shared business purpose. Howard alleges that William Jeffrey Torode, as the owner and manager of the three companies, maintained operational control over day-to-day activities and was directly involved in decisions regarding employee compensation and hours worked. The plaintiff asserts that while he performed essential duties for the diving and charter operations, the defendants knowingly and willfully refused to pay the legally required wages for his labor.
South Florida Diving Headquarters and Serenity Yacht Charters Accused of FLSA Violations and Joint Employer Liability
The legal action contends that South Florida Diving Headquarters, Serenity Yacht Charters, and Boynton Beach Diver acted as joint employers. The plaintiff alleges that these entities shared his services and had him acting in the interest of each business under common control. To establish federal jurisdiction under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the complaint states that each corporation generated gross sales or business volume exceeding $500,000 annually. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that the companies engaged in interstate commerce, noting that employees handled goods such as computers, phones, and materials that moved across state lines. Howard specifically notes that his own role involved regular interstate communication, including daily telephone contact with customers located outside of Florida.
Federal Complaint Alleges Willful Failure to Pay Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay for Diving Service Employees
At the core of the litigation is the allegation that the defendants failed to provide Howard with his full and proper minimum wages and time-and-a-half overtime pay. Under federal law, employers are required to compensate non-exempt employees for all hours worked and provide premium pay for hours exceeding forty in a single workweek. The complaint alleges that the defendants’ failure to pay these wages was not an oversight but a willful violation of the law. Howard has submitted a preliminary calculation of his claims, which includes specific date ranges, hours worked, and unpaid rates of pay, though these figures may be adjusted as the discovery process reveals more detailed payroll records.
Plaintiff Seeks Liquidated Damages and Attorney Fees in South Florida Maritime Labor Dispute
Howard is seeking a judgment that holds all defendants jointly and severally liable for his unpaid wages. In addition to the recovery of unpaid minimum wage and overtime compensation, the lawsuit demands liquidated damages, which are often available under the Fair Labor Standards Act as a penalty for non-compliance. The plaintiff also seeks the recovery of reasonable attorney fees, costs, and interest associated with bringing the legal action. By filing this suit, Howard aims to hold the diving and charter companies accountable for their alleged failure to adhere to federal labor standards that protect workers from wage exploitation.
Contact a Florida Wage and Hour Lawyer if You Were Denied Overtime or Minimum Wage in the Diving Industry
Employees in the maritime and diving industries are entitled to the full protection of federal and state labor laws. If you have been denied proper overtime pay, received less than the minimum wage, or have been misclassified by an employer to avoid paying benefits, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Businesses operating diving services and boat charters must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure their staff is compensated fairly for all hours worked. If you believe your employer has withheld your hard-earned wages, contact our team of experienced labor and employment attorneys today to discuss your rights and potential recovery.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime employment lawyer.
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.
