RULE Ohio | Category Rules | Official Guidelines

[StateGigs]

Welcome to the Ohio category. This section is designed for listings and discussions related to:

• FOR HIRE – Individuals or businesses offering their services
• HIRING – Employers looking to fill positions
• SERVICES – Professional, trade, or local service offerings
• LOCAL EVENT – Community gatherings, announcements, and public events

All posts, replies, and content shared within this category must strictly comply with:

1. Applicable Ohio State Laws
2. Ohio Labor & Employment Regulations
3. Ohio Business & Commerce Codes
4. Google's Content & User-Contributed Policies

Our Commitment to Compliance​

We take legal and policy compliance seriously. Our platform is committed to operating in full accordance with Ohio state regulations, Ohio labor laws, and Google's community standards. Ohio has a comprehensive legal framework governing employment, business practices, and public postings, and we are dedicated to upholding them.

While we strive to keep our rules and references as accurate and up-to-date as possible, please note that laws and policies can change. The information and links provided here serve as our primary guidance and roadmap, but they may not reflect the absolute latest amendments.

We believe in transparency and accountability – for both our users and our team.

Official References​

To ensure clarity and eliminate excuses like "I didn't know" or "I couldn't find it," we strongly encourage all users to review the official sources directly:

Reference	Official Link
Ohio Department of Commerce – Wage and Hour Information	https://com.ohio.gov/
Ohio Department of Commerce – Bureau of Wage and Hour Administration	https://com.ohio.gov/
Ohio Secretary of State – Business Services	https://www.ohiosos.gov/business
Ohio Department of Taxation	https://tax.ohio.gov/
Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC)	https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/
Ohio Legislature	https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/
Google User-Contributed Content Policy	https://support.google.com/googleshopping/answer/10012515
Google Terms of Service	https://policies.google.com/terms

These are the foundational documents we use to evaluate content and enforce our rules.

Ohio Labor & Employment Laws – What You Need to Know​

Ohio law sets clear standards for employers, workers, and service providers. All hiring and service posts must comply with the following:

• Minimum Wage: Effective January 1, 2026, Ohio's minimum wage increased to $11.00 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.50 per hour for tipped employees. This minimum wage applies to businesses with annual gross receipts exceeding $405,000. Employers below this threshold must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for non-tipped employees, and $2.13 per hour for tipped employees.
• Overtime Pay: Ohio requires premium pay (one and one-half times the regular rate) after 40 hours in a workweek for most non-exempt employees.
• Workers' Compensation (Monopolistic State): Ohio is a monopolistic state for workers' compensation. This means employers with one or more employees cannot purchase workers' compensation insurance from private carriers. They are strictly required to obtain coverage directly through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC).
• Payment of Wages: Employees who voluntarily resign or are involuntarily terminated must receive their final paycheck by the first day of the following month for wages earned in the first half of a month; wages earned in the last half of a month must be paid by the 15th of the following month.
• E-Verify Requirement for Nonresidential Construction: Effective March 19, 2026, under the Ohio E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act, contractors, subcontractors, and labor brokers performing work on nonresidential construction projects (public or private) must use E-Verify to confirm the work authorization of all new hires. The law does not require employers to retroactively run existing employees through E-Verify unless they require reverification under federal law. Nonresidential construction includes commercial and infrastructure projects (highways, bridges, utilities), but excludes residential construction, agricultural structures, and manufactured homes.
• Worker Classification: Ohio law requires proper classification of workers as employees or independent contractors. Employers must maintain accurate records and comply with state tax and workers' compensation requirements.
• WARN Act (Ohio Mini-WARN): Ohio's mini-WARN law requires covered employers (100+ employees or 100+ employees working 4,000+ hours per week) to provide 60 days' advance notice of plant closings or mass layoffs affecting 50 or more employees at a single site. Additionally, employers must notify the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at least three working days before any layoff or separation of 50 or more employees due to lack of work within any seven days.
• Workplace Rights: Ohio law prohibits discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. Workers have the right to file complaints with the Ohio Department of Commerce or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
• Child Labor Laws: Ohio has strict child labor regulations that work in tandem with federal rules. Minors under 14 are generally prohibited from employment, with limited exceptions. Minors aged 14-15 have strict hour limitations and must obtain work permits. Minors aged 16-17 have fewer restrictions but are prohibited from hazardous occupations. Employers must comply with both Ohio and federal child labor regulations, always following the stricter standard.
• Licensing Requirements: Ohio does not have a general business license at the state level. However, many professions – including contractors, electricians, plumbers, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and others – require a valid license issued by the appropriate Ohio licensing board or commission. Anyone posting professional services must verify they hold the appropriate license. All businesses operating in Ohio must register with the Secretary of State's office (except sole proprietorships and general partnerships). A vendor's license from the Ohio Department of Taxation is required for businesses selling taxable services or goods. Local municipalities may also require local permits or licenses.
• Notice Requirements: Employers must display required labor law postings in the workplace, including the updated minimum wage poster for 2026 reflecting the $11.00 rate, workers' compensation information, unemployment insurance information, and anti-discrimination protections. Required posters are available at no cost from the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Enforcement & Penalties​

To maintain a safe, lawful, and respectful environment for everyone, we enforce the following:

• All posts and comments must comply with Ohio state law, Ohio labor regulations, Ohio business codes, and Google policies.
• If a post or reply is reportedand found to be in violation, we will:
  1. Investigate promptly – Our team reviews every report in a timely manner.
  2. Take immediate action – Content that violates our rules will be removed, edited, or hidden without prior notice.
  3. Apply penalties– The responsible user will receive:
     • A formal warning or notification
     • Penalty points added to their account
     • Repeat or severe violations may result in temporary suspension or permanent ban from the platform.

We reserve the right to take action against any content we deem inappropriate, even if it is not explicitly listed in this guideline.

Note: While our moderation team strives for consistency, all enforcement actions and interpretations of these rules are at the sole discretion of StateGigs Administration. Our decisions are final.

User Responsibility​

By posting in this Ohio category, you agree that:

• You have reviewed and understood the referenced laws and policies.
• You are solely responsible for the accuracy and legality of your content.
• You will not use ignorance of the rules as a defense if a violation occurs.
• If you are offering professional services, you hold any required Ohio licenses and will provide proof upon request.

We are not legal experts, and this guidance is provided in good faith to help our community stay compliant. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure your posts meet all current legal and policy requirements.

Questions or Concerns?​

If you're unsure whether your post complies, or if you need clarification on any rule, feel free to reach out to our moderation team before posting. We're here to help – but we're also here to enforce.

Disclaimer – Governing Law​

This platform and its operations are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the state-specific category in which content is posted. By using this site, you agree that any legal disputes or claims arising from your use of the platform shall be resolved exclusively under Delaware jurisdiction. While we strive to align our category rules with applicable local laws, our governing framework remains rooted in Delaware law, and all enforcement actions are taken accordingly.

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Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us keep this platform lawful, professional, and fair for everyone.

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StateGigs Administration