The FTC Tried to Ban Noncompetes — A Federal Court Just Blocked It. What Employers Should Do Now.

On August 20, 2024, a federal court in Texas blocked the FTC’s sweeping ban on noncompete agreements, just two weeks before it was set to take effect on September 4. The ruling found that the FTC likely exceeded its authority in issuing the rule. For now, noncompetes remain enforceable — but the writing on the wall is clear, and smart employers should be rethinking their retention strategy regardless.

What the Ruling Actually Means

The court didn’t say noncompete bans are unconstitutional. It said the FTC may not have the authority to issue such a broad rule. The case will likely continue through appeals, and several states (California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and North Dakota) have already banned or severely restricted noncompetes at the state level. The trend toward restricting noncompetes isn’t going away — this ruling just delays the federal version.

For employers, the practical takeaway is that your existing noncompetes are still enforceable (for now), but relying on them as your primary retention tool is increasingly risky. The legal landscape is shifting, and employees are more aware of their options than ever before.

Why This Matters for PEO Clients

Whether noncompetes ultimately survive or not, the underlying challenge is the same: how do you retain talented employees in a competitive market? And this is where a PEO arrangement becomes a surprisingly powerful retention tool — one that doesn’t depend on legal enforceability.

Through a PEO, even a 20-person company can offer health, dental, and vision insurance that rivals what Fortune 500 companies provide. That benefit package isn’t just a perk — it’s a switching cost. Employees who have genuinely good coverage are less likely to leave for a competitor, noncompete or not. Add in EPLI protection for the employer and a clean compliance framework, and you’ve built a retention infrastructure that works regardless of what happens in court.

The Smarter Play: EPLI Coverage

One angle most business owners miss in this conversation is EPLI — Employment Practices Liability Insurance. If you’re operating without noncompetes and an employee leaves to join a competitor, the risk of wrongful termination, discrimination, or retaliation claims goes up. EPLI covers defense costs and damages from these claims, and through the right PEO, it’s typically bundled at no additional cost.

Think about it this way: instead of spending money on legal agreements that may or may not hold up, invest in benefits that make people want to stay and insurance that protects you if they don’t. That’s a more durable strategy than any contract clause.

What to Do Right Now

Review your existing noncompetes with legal counsel to make sure they’re enforceable in your state. Then, independently of that, evaluate whether your benefits package is competitive enough to retain talent on its own merits. If it’s not — and for most small businesses, it isn’t — a PEO is the fastest path to leveling the playing field. I can show you what’s available for your specific situation, at no cost.

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Rethinking retention beyond noncompetes?

Better benefits and EPLI protection through a PEO may be the strongest retention strategy you haven’t tried. Let’s discuss your options.