Non-Compete Rules: Are They Really Gone?

February 22, 2025

The Non-Compete Nightmare: A Thing of the Past?

Imagine this: You finally escape your old 9-to-5, ready to start your dream business, and BOOM—your former employer hits you with a non-compete clause like a villain in a bad superhero movie.

For years, non-compete agreements have been the workplace equivalent of the “No Fun Allowed” sign, locking employees into jobs they’ve outgrown and keeping entrepreneurs from spreading their wings. But earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a sweeping ban to free workers from these contractual shackles. Cue the confetti, right?

The Plot Twist: A Legal Roadblock

Not so fast. Just when we thought non-competes were headed for the corporate graveyard, a federal judge in Texas slammed the brakes, ruling that the FTC lacked the authority to enforce such a ban. Now, thanks to legal challenges, the ban has been halted nationwide—at least for now.

What This Means for You

So what does this mean for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to hire (or jump ship)? Here’s the short version:

1. Your Non-Compete Might Still Be Valid

If you thought you could stroll into your competitor’s office tomorrow and start your new gig, think again. Reviewing your existing agreements is a must.

2. Stay Tuned for More Legal Drama

The FTC is appealing the decision, so this legal rollercoaster isn’t over yet.

3. It’s Time for Plan B

With non-competes on shaky ground, businesses should start exploring other ways to protect their trade secrets—think airtight non-disclosure agreements and ironclad confidentiality policies.

4. Retention is the Real MVP

Instead of relying on legal red tape to keep employees from leaving, focus on making your workplace so good they don’t want to go anywhere else. (Competitive pay, good culture, and maybe a coffee machine that doesn’t taste like disappointment.)

The Future of Non-Competes

While the FTC’s ban might be in legal limbo, the conversation around non-competes is far from over. And for business owners trying to stay ahead of the curve, understanding these changes is key to making smart hiring decisions and protecting what they’ve built.

How to Stay Ahead

Need help navigating the shifting tides of business regulations while keeping your profits high and Uncle Sam at bay? That’s where Calculated Moves comes in. We take the headache out of accounting, so you can focus on what really matters—growing your business, making more money, and outsourcing those time-sucking tasks you shouldn’t be doing anyway.

Because let’s be honest, you’ve got better things to do than decode legal jargon all day.

Final Thoughts

Stay tuned as we break down the latest updates on non-compete agreements and what they mean for you. Because in the wild world of business, staying ahead isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity.

Connect with us!

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Donna Bordeaux, CPA with Calculated Moves

Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.