Legal Obligations for a Truck Driver in Florida

I have been employed with a company now for over a year and we currently have two box trucks that are not in the best of condition. One is in good running condition, but is being held up by a few rusty bolts, the other is structurally sound but having serious mechanical issues. I have mentioned to my employer numerous times that if I deem a vehicle unsafe, that I am not allowed to move that vehicle for any reason, until all defects are corrected. I believe my employer is growing more intolerant of my unwillingness to jeopardize my career and safety as well as the safety of those around me, and fear that he may be pondering my possible termination. As a Florida licensed commercial truck driver, do I have a legal obligation to refuse to operate any vehicle considered unsafe for any reason? Does my employer have a right to terminate my employment for refusing to operate said vehicles? Also, if I am terminated, do I have a possible lawsuit claim toward my employer for forcing me to endanger myself and others around me? Any help on this topic is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks THGhost. I really have no personal vendetta towards the company I work for. If at all possible, I would like to stay with the company and work things out in a rational way. With that being said, I refuse to risk my safe driver record and/or my license for any one for any amount of money. I'm pretty sure I'm well within my right as much as I am obligated to refuse to operate any vehicle that is considered to be unsafe, but I just wanted to confirm that with anyone who may have knowledge of the Florida law. As far as legal action goes, I do not wish to pursue any kind of legal action against the company, but again, just trying to confirm if I may have a case, given that I am terminated for refusal to operate an unsafe vehicle.