The Florida’s Civil Rights Act (FCRA) ensures that employees receive protection against discrimination in the workplace. The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) is the state agency responsible for enforcing these important anti-discrimination laws. The FCHR allows employees to safely report discriminatory hiring and employment practices and potentially receive compensation for harm the discrimination caused.
1. What types of discrimination does the FCHR handle?
The FCRA prohibits employers from discrimination on the basis of:
- Race, color or nation of origin
- Sex, gender, marital or pregnancy status
- Age or disability
- Religious beliefs
Those with a potential discrimination claim for any of the above reasons must file a complaint within one year of the alleged act.
2. What types of employers do discrimination laws cover?
In Florida, most employers with 15 or more workers must follow state anti-discrimination rules. This may include regular employers as well as employment agencies, joint labor-management companies and other labor groups.
3. What other types of organizations are subject to anti-discrimination laws?
The FCRA also handles cases of discrimination that may fall outside of typical employment scenarios. An individual seeking to join an association, club or other organization also has certain rights under state law. The same is true of individuals pursuing a professional certification, license or similar credential.
If the FCHR finds evidence of discriminatory behavior, the court may decide to take certain actions against the employer. In addition to compensation for lost wages, attorneys fees and mental pain and suffering, an employer may have to pay a significant sum in punitive damages.