Find Local Law

Florida Workplace Discrimination

The Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 (Fla. Stat. § 760.10) makes it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status. It's enforced by the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Federal laws also apply — Title VII, the ADA, and the ADEA.

By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026

Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.

This is general information, not legal advice. Discrimination claims have strict filing deadlines — talk to a Florida attorney promptly about your situation.

Both Florida and federal law protect workers from discrimination on the job.

The Florida Civil Rights Act

The Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 (Fla. Stat. § 760.10) makes it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate based on:

  • Race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy)
  • National origin
  • Age
  • Handicap
  • Marital status

The Act is enforced by the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

Federal laws also apply

Florida employees are also protected by federal law, including:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

These can apply alongside the state law, sometimes with different coverage and procedures.

How this connects to your job

Because Florida is an at-will employment state, employers have broad discretion — but they cannot fire, refuse to hire, or otherwise act against you because of a protected characteristic. Retaliation for reporting discrimination is also unlawful; see our whistleblower & retaliation guide.

What to do

Deadlines for discrimination claims are short, so act quickly. For the full picture, start at the Florida employment law hub. To get matched with a local Florida employment attorney, connect with a lawyer.

Connect with a local attorney

Tell us about your situation and we'll match you with a local California attorney who handles matters like yours. Free, no obligation.

Start your free intake

Frequently asked questions

What does Florida's discrimination law cover?
The Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 (Fla. Stat. § 760.10) makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.
Who enforces workplace discrimination law in Florida?
The Florida Commission on Human Relations enforces the Florida Civil Rights Act. Federal anti-discrimination laws are enforced separately.
Do federal discrimination laws also apply in Florida?
Yes. Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) apply alongside the Florida Civil Rights Act.

Sources

Related guides

  • Florida At-Will Employment Florida follows the at-will employment doctrine — a court-recognized common-law rule, not a statute. Without a contract or an applicable statute, the employer or employee can end the relationship at any time, for any lawful reason or no reason. The key limit: you cannot be fired for an illegal reason, such as unlawful discrimination or retaliation.
  • Florida Minimum Wage Florida's minimum wage is set by the state constitution (Art. X, § 24, as amended by 2020's Amendment 2) and rises $1.00 each September 30 until it reaches $15.00/hour on September 30, 2026. After September 30, 2027 it's adjusted annually for inflation (CPI). A tipped-wage credit applies. Always check the current state rate, because it steps up each year.
  • Florida Wages and Overtime Overtime — at least 1.5x the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek — is governed by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. § 207). Florida has no separate state overtime law and no statute setting a final-paycheck deadline. Unpaid-wage claims may proceed under the FLSA or as a breach-of-contract claim.
  • Florida Whistleblower & Retaliation Florida's private-sector Whistleblower's Act (Fla. Stat. § 448.102) protects employees from retaliation for disclosing, or refusing to participate in, an employer's violation of law (with notice-and-opportunity-to-cure requirements for some disclosures). Public and government employees are protected under § 112.3187. Retaliation for protected activity, like reporting discrimination, is also unlawful.

← Back to Employment Law