Facing discrimination at work can leave you feeling powerless and alone. However, you have the right to fight back against those who perpetuate and encourage this unfair treatment. In Florida, both the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) accept complaints of discrimination, ensuring that all Floridians have access to equal employment opportunities.
This guide will help you understand how to file a workplace discrimination complaint in the state. With the right approach, you can stand up for your rights and help create a more inclusive workplace for yourself and others. Read on to learn how to take action and make your voice heard.
Reporting discriminatory actions at work
In Florida, it is unlawful to discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation or marital status.
Anyone who experiences these unlawful employment practices can file a complaint with either the EEOC or the FCHR. However, you must file your charge within 300 days of the occurrence of the discriminatory action under federal law, though you have up to 365 days under the state law.
You can file a detailed and written complaint to the Commission, highlighting all crucial information regarding the event. The EEOC and FCHR have a worksharing agreement and so any Charge filed with either agency will be sent to the other agency and deemed dual-filed with both agencies.
A Charge with the EEOC can be filed online by going to eeoc.gov. To file a Charge directly with the FCHR, you should go to the agency’s website to provide critical details about your complaint. Once you have reached the site, you must fill out a questionnaire where you have to answer questions about your experience. You may have to submit additional documents if necessary.
If you do not know how to answer a specific query, you can write “not known.” You can also write “N/A” if the question does not apply to your case. Failing to answer all questions may result in delays in processing.
Seek the advice of an attorney
Although you can file a Charge of Discrimination without an attorney, it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified and experienced employment attorney prior to doing so in order to determine whether your discrimination claim is valid. If the attorney accepts your case, he or she may file your Charge for you.