As such, the law prohibits employers from entering into noncompete agreements that are void under California law. California law prohibits employers from enforcing restrictive covenants against employees, particularly covenants that take the form of a noncompete agreement.This regulation invalidates almost all noncompete agreements in the state of California. There are three main exceptions to this general rule. As a general rule, non-compete agreements are not permitted under California law. It is now a civil violation for an employer to enter into, or attempt to enforce, a contract void under the chapter. 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. For this reason, most states, including California, do not recognize them as valid employment contracts. The Agreement Must Be Reasonable. Compile a list of current and former workers who are currently subject to a noncompete.