Discrimination & Harassment Policies in Florida
1. Definition
Discrimination and harassment policies are workplace rules that prohibit unfair treatment and abusive behavior based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
These policies define what constitutes discrimination or harassment, set up complaint procedures, and outline disciplinary actions. They are critical tools for creating a safe and inclusive workplace while protecting businesses from costly legal claims.
2. Florida Legal Context
Florida employers must comply with both state and federal laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and harassment:
- Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA, Fla. Stat. §760.10) – prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – federal law covering discrimination in workplaces with 15+ employees.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – protects employees age 40+.
- Sexual Harassment – treated as a form of sex discrimination under both FCRA and Title VII.
Employers are legally responsible if harassment is committed by supervisors—or by co-workers/customers if the company fails to act after being notified.
3. Real-World Application
Examples of how policies function in Florida businesses:
- A Tampa hotel establishes a clear complaint procedure for employees to report harassment directly to HR.
- A Miami medical practice adopts mandatory anti-discrimination training for staff and managers.
- An Orlando retail store updates its handbook annually to reflect changes in state and federal discrimination law.
4. Why It Matters for Business Owners
Discrimination and harassment claims are among the most common and costly employment lawsuits in Florida.
Why it matters:
- Legal compliance: Demonstrates that your business complies with FCRA, Title VII, ADA, and other laws.
- Lawsuit prevention: Strong policies can reduce the risk of litigation.
- Employee trust: Promotes a respectful and inclusive workplace.
- Defense in claims: Courts look favorably on employers who have written policies and reporting systems.
Common mistakes Florida employers make:
- Failing to provide a confidential, effective complaint process.
- Not training managers to recognize and stop harassment.
- Ignoring complaints or retaliating against employees who report issues.
- Using outdated policies that don’t reflect recent legal changes.
5. Real-World Florida Examples
- A Sarasota restaurant avoided liability in a harassment lawsuit by showing it had a strong anti-harassment policy and promptly investigated the complaint.
- A Jacksonville employer paid damages after ignoring repeated complaints of racial harassment.
- A Fort Lauderdale employer reduced EEOC charges by implementing a zero-tolerance discrimination policy with manager training.
6. How Our Law Firm Can Help
At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we create and enforce discrimination and harassment policies that protect Florida businesses and employees. Our services include:
- Drafting anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies tailored to your industry
- Implementing confidential and effective complaint procedures
- Training managers and employees on compliance and reporting obligations
- Investigating workplace complaints and advising on corrective action
- Defending businesses in EEOC, FCHR, or court claims
We help employers build respectful workplaces while minimizing legal risk.
7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
A: Not always required, but highly recommended. Courts expect employers to have them.
Q: Does the law cover small businesses?
A: Federal laws generally apply to employers with 15+ employees, but Florida law covers many smaller employers in specific contexts.
Q: Can a policy prevent all lawsuits?
A: No, but it provides strong defenses if the company acts promptly and fairly.
Q: What should a policy include?
A: Definitions of discrimination/harassment, complaint procedures, non-retaliation clauses, and disciplinary steps.
Q: Why hire a lawyer for these policies?
A: A lawyer ensures compliance with Florida and federal laws, tailors policies to your workplace, and provides training to enforce them effectively.
8. How to Retain Our Law Firm
We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:
- Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
- 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
- 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
- Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)
All services are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.
9. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program
Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.
BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.
At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.
What you get with BELAW:
- On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
- Document review and compliance audits
- Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
- Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
- Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
- Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
- Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
- Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts
We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.
We make it easy to get started:
- Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
- Or fill out the secure contact form below
A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.
10. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain
We make it easy for you to retain us:
- Call or text: (813) 254-1777
- Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
- Or submit your request using the form below
Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.
11. Who You Are Hiring
When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.
A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.
Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.
He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.
Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.
At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.
12. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach
We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.
Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.
From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.
13. Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.