What are the laws in Florida regarding employment discrimination?

Florida has several laws in place that prohibit employment discrimination based on various protected classes. The primary law that governs employment discrimination in Florida is the Florida Civil Rights Act, which is enforced by the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR).

Under the Florida Civil Rights Act, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status. This includes discrimination in hiring, firing, compensation, promotion, and other aspects of employment.

In addition to the Florida Civil Rights Act, federal employment discrimination laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, also apply in Florida. These laws provide additional protections and remedies for employees who have been subjected to discrimination in the workplace.

There are some limitations to the protections provided by the law, however. For example, the Florida Civil Rights Act only applies to employers with 15 or more employees, while federal law applies to employers with 20 or more employees. In addition, the law does not protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, although some local ordinances may provide additional protections in this area.

If an employee or job applicant believes they have been the victim of employment discrimination, they may file a complaint with the FCHR. This complaint must be filed within one year of the alleged discrimination, and the FCHR will investigate the matter and determine if there is enough evidence to pursue legal action. If the FCHR finds evidence of discrimination, it may attempt to resolve the matter through conciliation, mediation, or other means. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the FCHR may file a lawsuit against the employer on behalf of the victim of discrimination.

In addition to filing a complaint with the FCHR, employees and job applicants who have been subjected to employment discrimination may also wish to consult with an experienced employment discrimination attorney to discuss their legal rights and options. An attorney can provide guidance on the best course of action to take, including filing a lawsuit against the employer if necessary.