FORT MYERS – A former employee is suing Florida Power and Light Company claiming he faced retaliation and eventually was terminated after notifying the company of his need for intermittent leave due to a serious health condition.
Kyle Cavaliere filed his complaint in federal court against Florida Power and Light Company citing violations of the Family & Medical Leave Act.
According to court documents, Cavaliere had been employed by FPL as a restoration specialist since June 19, 2017. In February 2023, Cavaliere says he encountered a serious health condition marked by mental and emotional impairments such as anxiety and depression. To address this, he notified FPL of his need for intermittent FMLA leave, a request that was approved beginning April 23, 2023.
However, according to the complaint, Cavaliere's supervisor expressed dissatisfaction with his use of FMLA leave. Subsequently, Cavaliere claims to have faced unwarranted performance reviews and criticism, ultimately resulting in his termination around October 23, 2023.
The lawsuit claims FPL violated the FMLA by interfering with Cavaliere's FMLA rights by subjecting him to adverse employment actions despite his eligibility for FMLA leave; and by retaliating against him for exercising his FMLA rights by subjecting him to adverse employment actions.
Cavaliere is demanding a jury trial to seek a judgement for damages plus interest, reinstatement, attorney fees and other relief.
He is being represented by Benjamin H. Yormak of Yormak Employment & Disability Law in Bonita Springs.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida Fort Myers Division case number 2:23-cv-01001