Civil Rights & Disputes in Florida

Florida's Civil Rights Act does not explicitly include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes at the state level. Some Florida counties have local ordinances providing those protections, and federal law (Title VII after Bostock) may cover sexual orientation and gender identity in employment.

Florida's FCHR allows complaints to be filed within 365 days of the discriminatory act — a full year, which is longer than the federal 180 or 300-day windows. After FCHR investigation, you may have additional time to file in court.

Yes. Florida's anti-SLAPP statute (Fla. Stat. Section 768.295) prohibits claims intended to silence speech on matters of public concern. Successful defendants can recover attorney's fees and costs. It applies in civil actions alleging injury from the defendant's exercise of the right to free speech or petition on a governmental matter.

Defamation claims in Florida must be filed within two years under Fla. Stat. Section 95.11(4)(g).

Several Florida counties and cities have enacted local human rights ordinances that provide protections beyond the state Civil Rights Act, including coverage for sexual orientation and gender identity. Notable jurisdictions include Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Orange County, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Key West. Coverage and enforcement mechanisms vary by jurisdiction. Workers in these areas may file complaints with their local human rights agency in addition to or instead of the FCHR. Federal Title VII protections under Bostock v. Clayton County also apply regardless of location.

Florida's anti-SLAPP statute (Fla. Stat. Section 768.295) provides a mechanism for defendants to seek early dismissal when they are sued for exercising their right to free speech on matters of public concern. If the court determines the lawsuit was filed primarily to silence the defendant's speech or petitioning activity, the defendant may recover mandatory attorney's fees and costs. The statute applies broadly to civil actions, though Florida courts have been developing the specific contours of what constitutes "speech on a matter of public concern." The anti-SLAPP motion must generally be filed early in the litigation, and discovery may be stayed while the motion is pending.