Cite as: 538 U. S. 691 (2003)
Opinion of the Court
Andrew S. Hament argued the cause for respondent. With him on the brief was Gregory Williamson.
Lisa S. Blatt argued the cause for the United States as amicus curiae urging affirmance. With her on the brief were Solicitor General Olson, Deputy Solicitor General Kneedler, Howard M. Radzely, Allen H. Feldman, and Edward D. Sieger.*
Justice Souter delivered the opinion of the Court.
The question is whether the provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA or Act), that suit under the Act "may be maintained . . . in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction," 52 Stat. 1069, as amended, 29 U. S. C. § 216(b), bars removal of a suit from state to federal court. We hold there is no bar.
I
Petitioner, Phillip T. Breuer, sued respondent, his former employer, Jim's Concrete of Brevard, Inc., in a state court of Florida for unpaid wages, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, and attorney's fees. Section 216(b) provides not only that an employer who violates its minimum wage and overtime provisions is liable to an employee, but that "[a]n action to recover the liability prescribed . . . may be maintained against any employer (including a public agency) in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction."
Jim's Concrete removed the case to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida under 28 U. S. C. § 1441(a), which reads that "[e]xcept as otherwise expressly provided by Act of Congress, any civil action brought in a State court of which the district courts of the United
*Briefs of amici curiae urging affirmance were filed for the Academy of Florida Management Attorneys, Inc., by Peter W. Zinober; and for the Human Resource Association of Palm Beach County, Florida, et al. by Christine D. Hanley, Sally Still, and Betty L. Dunkum.
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