What are the Florida laws regarding employee discrimination and harassment in the workplace?

The state of Florida has several laws in place to protect employees from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The most notable of these laws is the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA), which protects employees and job applicants from discrimination based on factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability.

Under the FCRA, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee or job applicant in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, salary, and benefits. It is also illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee who files a complaint of discrimination or harassment.

Harassment in the workplace is also prohibited under the FCRA. It is defined as any conduct that creates a hostile or offensive work environment, including verbal or physical abuse, unwelcome touching, and the use of derogatory or offensive language related to a person's protected status.

In addition to the FCRA, employees in Florida are also protected by federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws offer similar protections against discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on protected characteristics.

It is important to note that there are some limitations and exceptions to these laws. For example, small businesses with fewer than 15 employees may not be subject to certain provisions of the FCRA. Additionally, religious organizations may be exempt from certain nondiscrimination laws in certain circumstances.

If an individual believes they have been the victim of discrimination or harassment in the workplace, they should report it to their employer's human resources department or to a supervisor. If the employer does not address the issue, the individual may choose to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

In summary, Florida employees are protected from discrimination and harassment in the workplace under the FCRA and federal laws. However, there may be limitations and exceptions to these laws, and individuals who experience discrimination or harassment should report it to their employer and seek further legal advice if necessary.