Who we are
Mission: The Florida Commission on Human Relations prevents unlawful discrimination by ensuring that all people have access to equal opportunities in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Vision: The Florida Commission on Human Relations will eliminate discrimination in the state.
Core Values: Integrity, Accountability, Motivation, Fairness, Communication, Honesty, Respect
— Florida Commission on Human Relations
Who we are
The Florida Legislature created the Florida Commission on Human Relations in 1969 to enforce the Florida Civil Rights Act and address discrimination issues through education, outreach and partnerships. The Commission has investigated and closed more than 84,000 cases through FY 2023-24 and has negotiated close to $40 million in settlement amounts for more than 3,000 people through its mediation services.
The Florida Commission on Human Relations basic statutory responsibilities are set forth in Chapter 760 , Florida Statutes, which addresses the areas of employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, age and marital status; and discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, pregnancy, religion and familial status.
Since 1969, when the Commission was established, state and federal laws have significantly expanded the jurisdiction of the Commission as follows:
The Florida Human Rights Act of 1977 expanded the authority of the Commission from being a community relations-based agency to also being an enforcement agency. This Act allowed the Commission to investigate and resolve complaints of employment discrimination through administrative and legal channels.
The Florida Fair Housing Act was passed by the Florida Legislature in 1983, and amended in 1989. This Act declares it illegal to discriminate in the sale, rental, advertising, financing, or providing of brokerage services for housing. The Fair Housing Act parallels the Federal Fair Housing Act.
The Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 included a revision of the procedure changes for filing complaints of employment discrimination as well as making compensatory and punitive damages available. The Act also prohibited discrimination in the areas of public lodging, public food service establishments and private clubs.
In 1999, the Legislature transferred jurisdiction to the Commission for state employee Whistle-blower's Act complaints of retaliation. The law protects public employees from any form of retaliation by the agency for which they work in cases where they disclose information about actual or suspected violations or misconduct.
What we do
Training
When resources are available, these are trainings that are offered by the Commission:
Helping Businesses Achieve the Bottom Line
This training will help businesses achieve their bottom line by learning about discrimination laws and how they affect employees and employers; tips on how employers may prevent instances that result in charges of discrimination; the A to Z of how the Commission handles discrimination complaints and the value of mediation in resolving discrimination cases.
Fair Housing
This training covers the federal and state Fair Housing Acts and other relevant housing laws as well as addresses housing discrimination issues facing Florida. This presentation can be tailored to landlords and/or tenant groups.
The Florida Civil Rights Act
This workshop is designed to explain Florida's civil rights laws in understandable terms. Time needed for presentation will depend on the depth and span of the area of civil rights discussed.
Disability Rights
This workshop focuses on disability discrimination in employment, housing and certain public accommodations as it relates to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)
This presentation is often given in conjunction with other topics. It focuses on the FCHR and its role in eliminating and preventing discrimination within the state. An overview of the complaint process and FCHR statistics are provided.
Sexual Harassment
This training includes tips on how to create a harassment-free work environment. The training is designed for multiple audiences and can be tailored for managers and (or) employees.