If you were fired for an illegal reason in Florida, there are some laws in place that can protect you. Workers in Florida who are fired by an employer for a reason that falls under the state or Federal laws that protect workers from discrimination may qualify to file a complaint against the employer that fired them. Workers who were unlawfully fired may be eligible for damages.
What Is The Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992?
The Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 makes it illegal to discrimination against any person because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status. This applies to employment as well as other areas like housing, which means that employers can’t fire employees for any of those protected reasons.
If you were fired by a Florida employer for an illegal reason you can file a claim against that employer. It doesn’t matter that Florida is an at-will employment state.
What Other Laws Protect Florida Workers From Wrongful Termination?
Florida is an at-will employment state, which means that employers can fire any employee at any time for almost any reason. But, both the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 and Federal laws make it both a state and Federal offense for an employer for a reason that is protected by law. Some of the Federal laws that protect workers from discrimination, including wrongful termination, include:
- Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act
- The Fair Labor Standards Act
- The Family Medical Leave Act
- The Pregnancy Protection Act
- The Americans With Disabilities Act
Employers must abide by both Federal and state regulations when it comes to employee rights even in an-will employment states.
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in Florida?
At the state level the Florida Commission On Human Relations oversees the enforcement of employment laws and the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992. If you were illegally fired for a reason that violates the state’s employment laws you can file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
You can also file a complaint with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Both agencies have information about how to file, including forms you can submit online, on their websites. You only have to file one report however, the EEOC will share information with the Florida Commission On Human Relations and vice-verse. Your employer could have to pay fines and face penalties from both the state and the Federal government if they violated your rights.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes Florida Wrongful Termination Claims
If you’ve been illegally fired in Florida you should speak with a Florida employment attorney. A skilled Florida employment lawyer can answer any specific questions that you have about your situation. They can also help you start a claim against your employer and advise you what evidence you will need to support your claim. You can get started by filling out a Free Case Evaluation below to get connected by a Florida employment attorney that will listen to the details of your situation and help you figure out what to do next.
