Question 1

What is a housing discrimination complaint in Florida?

Accepted Answer

A housing discrimination complaint is a formal allegation that a person or entity has violated fair housing laws by discriminating in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on a protected characteristic. In Florida, housing discrimination is prohibited by: the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3601-3619, protecting race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability), the Florida Fair Housing Act (§760.20-760.37, adding marital status as a protected class), and local fair housing ordinances (which may add additional protections such as sexual orientation and gender identity).

Question 2

How do you file a housing discrimination complaint in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Filing options: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD, within 1 year of the discriminatory act), the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR, within 1 year of the discriminatory act), or the local fair housing agency (if one exists in the jurisdiction). The complaint must include: the complainant's name and address, the name and address of the respondent, a description of the discriminatory act, the date of the discriminatory act, and the basis for the complaint (which protected characteristic was involved). After filing, the agency investigates, attempts conciliation, and either dismisses the complaint or finds reasonable cause.

Question 3

What remedies are available for housing discrimination in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Remedies include: compensatory damages (actual damages, emotional distress, humiliation), injunctive relief (court order requiring the respondent to stop discriminating), civil penalties (up to $6,000 for a first violation, $7,500 for a second within 5 years, $65,000 for a third within 7 years), attorney fees and costs, punitive damages (in federal court), access to the housing that was denied, reasonable accommodations or modifications (for disability discrimination), and pattern-or-practice remedies (if the discrimination is systemic). The complainant can also file a private lawsuit in state or federal court (within 2 years of the discriminatory act) in addition to or instead of the administrative process.

Housing Discrimination Complaint

Housing Discrimination Complaint

Protected Classes

Filing

Remedies

Related Terms

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