Louisiana's non-compete law is unique in its specificity. The state has one of the most detailed non-compete statutes in the country, and courts apply it strictly — meaning even minor technical deficiencies can render an entire agreement unenforceable.
Louisiana's Non-Compete Statute — La. R.S. 23:921
Louisiana Revised Statute 23:921 governs non-compete agreements and imposes strict requirements that must be met precisely:
- Maximum duration: 2 years from the date of termination of employment — agreements lasting longer are void
- Geographic specificity required: The agreement must specify the exact parishes, municipalities, or parts thereof where competition is restricted — a general geographic description is not sufficient
- Must be in writing: Oral non-compete agreements are not enforceable in Louisiana
⚠️ Louisiana courts apply these requirements strictly. If your non-compete does not specify exact parishes or municipalities — or if it lasts more than 2 years — the entire agreement may be void. Louisiana does not allow courts to reform agreements to fix these deficiencies.
Louisiana Will NOT Rewrite Your Non-Compete
Unlike many other states, Louisiana courts generally will not blue pencil or modify a non-compete that fails to meet the statutory requirements. If the agreement is deficient — even on a technical point — the court may void it entirely. This strict approach gives employees meaningful protection against poorly drafted agreements.
✅ Louisiana's strict statutory requirements mean that many non-compete agreements drafted by out-of-state employers or using generic templates may be void simply because they do not specify Louisiana parishes or municipalities. Review your agreement carefully for this specific requirement.
Physician Non-Competes in Louisiana
Louisiana enacted specific restrictions on physician non-competes in 2025. Under the new law:
- Primary care physician non-competes are limited to 3 years from the date of the initial contract
- Specialty care physician non-competes are limited to 5 years from the date of the initial contract
- These limits apply regardless of when employment ends
What Qualifies as a Legitimate Business Interest in Louisiana?
Louisiana courts recognize legitimate business interests including trade secrets, confidential business information, and established customer relationships. The agreement must be designed to protect one of these interests — not merely to prevent competition generally.
Consideration in Louisiana
Louisiana requires adequate consideration for a non-compete to be enforceable. Employment itself is generally adequate consideration when the agreement is signed at the time of hire. For existing employees, something additional beyond merely continuing employment should be provided.