In general, however, noncompete agreements in Texas are typically only enforceable for a period of one to two years. The final rule, first proposed on January 19, 2023, categorizes noncompete clauses as an unfair method of competition, thus violating section 5 of the FTC Act.Dallas lawyer Barry Hersh reviews non-competition agreements on behalf of individuals on a flat fee and hourly basis. There is no rule in Texas stating that if an employee is terminated, rather than quits, a noncompete agreement that he signed goes away. Contrary to the common misconception linked to the right to work status, noncompete agreements are enforceable in Texas. The FTC rule banning noncompetes, which would have affected many physicians, has been struck down and will not take effect Sept. When Will the FTC Ban on Non-Competes Be Effective? Texas being an at-will employment state makes no difference in whether a non-complete can be enforced in the court of law. . Understanding what in a noncompete agreement qualifies as reasonable and enforceable in Texas is particularly challenging. On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted to ban noncompete agreements in the employment context.