Former employees of the Serenata Beach Club in Ponte Vedra Beach have initiated a class action lawsuit against the establishment’s former owners, alleging systematic violations of Florida’s minimum wage laws and forced off-the-clock work to avoid overtime compensation. Lead plaintiff Luis Alvarado filed the February 26 lawsuit in St. Johns County Circuit Court seeking over $50,000 in damages for himself and other nonexempt employees.
Off-the-Clock Work to Avoid Overtime Pay
The complaint alleges that between August and September 2024, management required staff to work before and after their scheduled shifts without clocking in, deliberately circumventing overtime pay obligations under Florida law. This practice constitutes wage theft by forcing employees to provide uncompensated labor while artificially reducing recorded work hours to avoid premium overtime rates.
Violations of Florida Minimum Wage Act
Alvarado’s lawsuit cites violations of both the Florida Minimum Wage Act and the state constitution’s wage protections. These legal frameworks establish minimum compensation standards and overtime requirements that employers cannot circumvent through off-the-clock work schemes or timecard manipulation.
Named Defendants and Ownership Disputes
The legal action names Bernoulli Growth Capital LLC, Molly Butler, and Michael Mota as defendants. Mota, who briefly managed the club before its foreclosure auction sale, has denied any ownership interest and argues he should not be included in the litigation. Mota attributed late paychecks and cash payments to the club’s mounting debt rather than intentional wage violations.
Payment Irregularities and Financial Distress
Former employees reported receiving late paychecks or being paid in cash rather than through proper payroll systems. While financial difficulties may explain payment delays, employers remain legally obligated to pay minimum wages and overtime regardless of business financial conditions.
New Ownership and Continued Liability
The club now operates under new ownership and a different name. However, the lawsuit targets the previous ownership entities and management responsible for the alleged wage violations during the specified employment period.
Wage and Hour Law Enforcement
This case demonstrates the legal consequences when employers attempt to control labor costs through illegal wage suppression tactics. Class action status allows multiple affected employees to pursue collective remedies and ensures accountability for systematic wage violations affecting entire workforces.