Freelance isn’t just a way of working — it’s a legal category now under scrutiny.
If your company hires freelance crew, technicians, or creatives in New York, there’s a law you need to know: the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, which took effect statewide on August 28, 2024.
Originally passed in New York City back in 2017, the law was expanded statewide last year, and as of 2025, it’s fully in effect and actively enforced. It sets clear, stricter standards for how businesses engage and pay independent contractors.
For live event companies that depend on a rotating network of skilled freelancers, compliance isn’t optional — it’s the law. Here’s what this means for your business, what the penalties look like, and how LASSO helps you stay compliant without adding more manual work.
What Is the Freelance Isn’t Free Act?
The Freelance Isn’t Free Act protects independent contractors by guaranteeing clear contracts and timely payments. It applies when:
- A freelancer (an individual or single-person business) performs services worth $800 or more within a 120-day period
- That $800 can come from one project or multiple smaller gigs combined
- A few specific professions (like attorneys and physicians) are exempt — but most creative, production, and technical roles in the event world are included
That means if you’re hiring camera operators, stagehands, designers, or show callers in New York, chances are this law applies to you.
What the Law Requires
The intent is straightforward: freelancers deserve clear terms and on-time pay.
Here’s what businesses must do to comply.
1. Use a Written Contract (yes…. one for each event they are hired for)
Every covered freelance engagement must have a written agreement, for each project worked that includes:
- Both parties’ names and mailing addresses
- A clear description of the services
- The agreed-upon rate and method of payment for each event
The date payment is due, or how that date will be determined
Businesses must keep a copy for six years—and if you can’t produce it during a dispute, the freelancer’s version will be treated as correct.
2. Pay on Time
If the contract doesn’t specify a payment date, you must pay within 30 days after the work is completed.
3. Don’t Retaliate
The Act prohibits retaliation—meaning you can’t withhold work, lower pay, or otherwise penalize a freelancer for exercising their rights under the law.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
The penalties for ignoring the Freelance Isn’t Free Act add up fast:
- $250+ per violation in statutory damages
- Double the amount owed for failure to pay
- Attorney’s fees and costs for the freelancer
- Civil penalties up to $25,000 for a pattern or practice of violations
- And perhaps most importantly: a presumption against you if you can’t produce a compliant contract
For busy event companies juggling dozens (or hundreds) of crew members across shows, manual tracking isn’t just risky, it’s nearly impossible.
Why This Matters for Live Events
In live production, freelance work is the backbone of the industry. But the very nature of event work—short engagements, repeat gigs, fluctuating pay—makes it easy to unintentionally cross compliance lines.
If a lighting tech works three separate events for you in a four-month span totaling more than $800, the Act applies. Without a proper written agreement, that’s a violation, even if you pay promptly.
That’s where technology and process matter most.
How LASSO Keeps You Compliant
LASSO’s all-in-one event operations platform makes it easy to hire, contract, and pay your freelance crew while staying compliant with evolving labor laws, including the Freelance Isn’t Free Act.
Here’s how:
✅Compliant Labor Agreements
With LASSO, you can create branded templates once, auto-populate crew details, and send compliant labor agreements at scale — saving time while ensuring every engagement is documented properly.
📄 Automatic Recordkeeping
Every signed contract is securely stored and accessible, creating a six-year digital record without added admin.
⏱ Payment Tracking
With LASSO’s embedded payroll for freelancers, stay on top of paying your people on time and accurately.
📊 Threshold Reporting
Identify freelancers who hit the $800 threshold within 120 days so you know exactly when to issue formal agreements.
🛡 Standardized Processes
Keep every engagement consistent and compliant—across crew, departments, and locations.
Compliance Made Simple
The expansion of the Freelance Isn’t Free Act is a big shift, but it doesn’t have to mean more paperwork. With LASSO, your contracts, communications, and payroll all live in one place, so you can manage your freelancers confidently and legally.
Because when your crew is taken care of, your shows run smoother and your business stays protected.
💡 Need help preparing for compliance?
Talk to our team about how LASSO’s labor agreements can help your company meet Freelance Isn’t Free requirements in New York.
Book a Demo →
