The state-provided liability insurance is NOT enough to protect teachers in the classroom. Membership with PEN of Florida provides teachers with liability insurance and other important benefits, such as employee rights protection, that go far beyond the liability insurance provided by the State. Furthermore, should you find yourself in a legal situation that the state’s policy would cover, you would be expected to find your own attorney and consultations would be minimal.

PEN of Florida doesn’t endorse or financially contribute to politicians or political campaigns.

No part of PEN of Florida’s dues are forwarded to any national or out-of-state organization.

PEN of Florida doesn’t make contributions to organizations to promote social issues.

PEN of Florida doesn’t pay staff to make political calls or pay printing or postage for political campaign literature for politicians.

PEN of Florida maintains staff salaries that are in line with educator salaries.

PEN of Florida has many educators who volunteer their time to serve the organization.

PEN of Florida Board of Directors are not paid to serve but instead volunteer their time and assist PEN of Florida with providing many services pro bono.

PEN of Florida is financially responsible, maintaining a low administrative overhead.

Yes. We defend our members against any violation of the local collective bargaining contract and all state education laws. Florida is a right to work state and therefore the contract covers all employees regardless of union membership. PEN provides the following legal protections to members at no additional cost: contract enforcement, certification problems or questions, reduction in force or layoffs, suspension (with/without pay), letters of reprimand, evaluations, student discipline issues, parent or student complaints, professional practices cases, transfers, harassment, surplus, and health and safety issues.

Yes, and your defense will be handled by the type of attorney that fits the nature of the issue (i.e. education, criminal charges, labor, etc.).

The most important thing to do is to immediately email legal@penfl.org or call our office (800-311-7770). Our legal team will assist you within one business day. Even if you are not sure whether your situation is one that needs PEN’s services, still contact us right away. In the meantime, do not talk about your situation with anyone or on social media, unless it is to cooperate with your administration on the issue. You will receive support and direction from our legal team as to how to proceed.

No. PEN members are provided, at no additional cost, with up to $10,000 in legal defense fees. Since 1995, we have defended hundreds of members, and it has never gone over the $10,000 limit—and rarely comes close.

When there is a legal issue, it is best to directly consult a licensed education attorney to get credible legal advice from the beginning. Some organizations have you discuss your situation with a colleague known as a building rep or steward. In such a situation, you are not assured confidentially because attorney-client privilege will not apply to conversations with that individual. When a meeting is scheduled that could lead to disciplinary action being taken against you, an attorney is available to be present at the meeting. Don’t confuse the difference between moral support and quality legal representation!

Yes. PEN attorneys will assist and represent you in this action.

No, PEN is not a labor union, so we do not participate in collective bargaining.

Florida is a “right to work” state, meaning that all educators in the bargaining unit work under the provisions in the collective bargaining contract regardless of union membership.

All educators have the equal right to legal representation regardless of union membership.

Most of the employment rights and privileges are granted to educators by the Florida State Statutes, not because of collective bargaining.

It is worth noting that Florida’s teacher salaries are lower than many other states (such as Georgia) that do not have collective bargaining.

PEN of Florida members are served by active, registered lobbyists.

PEN of Florida gives regular updates from the Capitol during the Legislative session.

PEN of Florida members are provided with the tools to become involved legislatively.

PEN of Florida officers and lobbyists follow the course of legislation from the committee level to the Governor’s level.

Up to $2 Million