Just the same as every other state, there are laws in Florida that protect employees against workplace discrimination.
The Florida Civil Human Right Act is in place to protect employees against discrimination on the basis of religion, color, race, sex, national origin, marital status, disability or handicap.
If a person feels he or she is being discriminated against, he or she can contact the company’s human resources department to discuss the issue. While this is often the first step, it doesn’t always lead to positive results.
Employees in the state of Florida can also file a formal claim with the Florida Commission on Human Relations. They also have the right to consult with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which is a federal agency.
Victims of discrimination should not delay in contacting the Florida Commission on Human Relations or EEOC, as there are time limits in place for filing a claim. You must file a claim with the state agency within 365 days of the discrimination. The EEOC has a deadline of 300 days.
There is help to be had in the event of employment discrimination. In addition to internal assistance and the agencies detailed above, employees can consult with a local attorney to learn more about their legal rights.
Filing a discrimination claim is not something employees look forward to, as it means they are being treated poorly at their place of employment. Even so, this is a situation many Florida residents are faced with every year. Anybody who is put in this unenviable position should take the appropriate steps towards putting it in the past.
Source: Workplace Fairness, “Filing a Discrimination Claim – Florida,” accessed July 06, 2015
