If you feel you were discriminated against or given unequal treatment based on race, gender (or gender identity), disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, religion, or some other protected class, a discrimination lawyer can help. Get direction for filing a HUD complaint in languages other than English by clicking here. You have one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a complaint with either the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or a local agency like the Florida Commission on Human Relations. People with disabilities must be allowed, at their own expense, to make reasonable modifications to their dwelling to allow them equal access and enjoyment. Back; Attorneys/ Law Firms Search; . Florida Commission on Human Relations, 4075 Esplanade Way Unit 110, Tallahassee, FL, 32399. (this may not be the same place you live), Faulty/Defective Products/Services (Auto, Drug), Investments (Annuities, Securities, IPOs), Online Law The complaint will be reviewed by the HUD and may require a response on the part of the accused party before the FHEO conducts an investigation. The Florida Commission on Human Relations has the authority to conduct Fair Housing discrimination investigations within the state of Florida except for the following counties and cities: City of Orlando Office of Human Relations (City of Orlando), 400 South Orange AvenueOrlando, FL 32801Phone: 407-246-2122 Fax: 407-246-2308Website: http://www.cityoforlando.net/, 306 E. Jackson Street Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: 813-274-5835 Fax: 813-274-5854 Website: http://www.tampagov.net, Jacksonville Human Rights Commission (Duval County), 117 West Duval Street, Suite 350 Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: 904-630-4911 Fax: 904-630-4918 TTY: 904-630-4125 Website: http://www.coj.net/jhrc, Palm Beach County Office of Equal Opportunity (Palm Beach County), 301 North Olive Avenue, 10th Floor West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: 561-355-4884 Fax: 561-355-4932 TTY: 561-355-1517 Website: http://www.pbcgov.com/equalopportunity, 400 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue, 5th Floor Clearwater, FL 33756 Phone: 727-464-4880 Fax: 727-464-5298 TTY: 727-464-4062 Website: http://www.pinellascounty.org/humanrights/, Broward County Office of Equal Opportunity (Broward County), 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 427 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1883 Phone : 954-357-7800 Fax: 954-357-7817http://www.broward.org/Intergovernmental/Pages/EmploymentHousingDiscrimination.aspx. Fair housing is the right to buy or rent a home, free from illegal discrimination. to request a review. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Login. The Texas Fair Housing Act and the U.S. Fair Housing Act prohibit discriminatory housing practices in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, or familial status (presence of a child under age 18 living with parents or legal custodians, person securing custody of children under 18, or a pregnant woman). Section 504 covers all programs and activities of recipients of HUD financial assistance, including, for example: Federal law makes it illegal for an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, solely because of his or her disability, to be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It has been more than 30 days since you filed your complaint and your certified local agency has not started proceedings; Your certified local agency is not carrying out the proceedings in a prompt manner; and. Examples of dissemination of false information include incorrectly stating that there are no units available, or suggesting that people who are looking to buy in one area instead buy in another based on their race. Landlords are allowed to deny housing on the basis of legitimate business reasons. Orlando, FL Lawyers in Related Practice Areas: Civil RightsSexual HarassmentConstitutional, Discrimination Lawyers in Cities Near Orlando, FL, Winter ParkAltamonte SpringsLongwoodApopkaSanford. All rights reserved. Read more to find out if you have been the subject of housing discrimination, and if so, what you can do about it. If you believe you are the victim of housing discrimination, contact CLSMF for legal advice (800-405-1417). The information on this website is for general information purposes only. No one should have to choose between housing and sexual harassment. People with disabilities are also protected when they seek housing. How do I know if I have been discriminated against/illegally denied housing in Florida? You and the party you filed against have. Actions such as denying you housing or a mortgage, denying a reasonable accommodation or modification request, or not providing accessible units for multi-family homes built after 1991 are considered discriminatory when based upon an individuals disability. Under Chapter 760 of the Florida Statutes, the Federal Fair Housing Act, and theFlorida Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to do any of the following acts based on race, color, gender, disability, religion, national origin, or familial status: Property owners, real estate agents, lenders, or anyone in the housing industry may breach these laws if they incite a property owner to sell or rent based on discriminatory factors. While discriminatory actions can be obvious, like a landlord refusing to rent to you because of youre a protected characteristic, more often than not, discrimination is carried out through subtle actions. To file a complaint or learn more about the process, go to HUDs File a Complaint page here: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint. Ken is an active member of the American Bar Association, San Francisco Bar Association, and the California Lawyers for the Arts. University of Florida. For example, if a landlord suggests an apartment that would be a better fit for you, their actions may be discriminatory. And if youve been the victim of such treatment, you have the right to demand monetary damages. A complex and extremely large Miami, Florida litigation between and among a Chicago-based assisted living facility owner, a Chicago-based architect, and approximately 20 Miami subcontractors touching on various issues, including architectural malpractice, diversion of trust funds, payment of bond claims and defenses, and multiple breach of contract issues, which was finally resolved short of trial after two weeks of mediation. Additionally, it is prohibited to select tenants based on their familial status, such as having children, or their marital status. Please call 404-633-5114 or contact us online for a free consultation at our Atlanta office. However, it is often unreported. Discrimination Lawyers Serving Orlando, FL (Winter Park), Discrimination Lawyers Serving Orlando, FL (Maitland), Discrimination Lawyers Serving Orlando, FL (Melbourne), Discrimination Lawyers Serving Orlando, FL (Lakeland), Discrimination Lawyers Serving Orlando, FL (Tampa), Discrimination Lawyers Serving Orlando, FL (New Port Richey), Discrimination Lawyers Serving Orlando, FL (Fort Myers). Save any emails, telephone voicemails, written letters, or any other correspondence that relates to your experience. For example, it is illegal to discriminate against someone in the terms or price of a real estate transaction. A person with a disability must notify the housing provider if they need a reasonable accommodation, and the housing provider must grant the request if it is reasonable. A staff member will get back toyou soon. Orlando, FL Discrimination Attorneys . , or This for That, harassment is when a housing provider asks for sex or sexual favors to avoid eviction or in exchange for free rent, repairs, excused late payments or fees, etc. Once the investigation is complete, the Department of Housing and Urban Development will notify you of one of two possible outcomes: If a Determination of Reasonable Cause and a Charge of Discrimination has been issued, either you or the party you filed against can choose to have your case heard by a Federal Distric Court judge. Color discrimination can involve someone of a different race or the same race. Please provide a valid Zip Code or City and choose a category, Please select a city from the list and choose a category. Housing Discrimination This Firm represents numerous individuals who have been subjected to housing discrimination due to their race, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion, family status, gender identity, age, and source of income. But it also includes discriminatory actions that may be less obvious. Under the Fair Housing Act, lenders, property managers, and landlords in South Florida are obliged to treat people equally and provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Examples of housing discrimination could include: As part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of dwellings. Contact us. Contact me to set up an initial consultation today. Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all programs, services, and activities provided or made available by public entities (state and local governments and special purpose districts). I said no and left immediately. Will working with a lawyer to fight housing discrimination help me stay in my current residence or secure a place to live? Otis Bruce Jr., a . Unfair Lending Practices (Predatory Loans), Florida Lemon Law (Car Purchase Protection), Health Coverage Based on Age, Disability, or Diagnosis (Medicare), Housing Discrimination and Fair Housing Laws, Housing Choice Vouchers Subsidized Housing, Subsidized Housing for Elderly and Disabled People Section 202, Unlawful Detainers to Remove Unwanted Tenants, Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Benefits), Health Care Wishes and Advance Directives, Deudas y Acreedores: Derecho del Consumidor, Sellado Y Eliminacin de Antecedentes Penales. The civil rights attorneys of Hale & Monico can help. This includes actions involving the sale or lease of temporary or permanent housing, such as refusing to rent an apartment. Monadnock Building Together, we can take action and ensure that your voice is heard. Search for the topics you need help with. In certain circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with up to four units of single-family housing. Protected classes include: Race; National origin; Color; Religion; Sex; Age; Disability, whether physical or mental; and Pregnancy. According to the Fair Housing Trends Report, there were31,202 complaintsin 2018, which marked the highest amount since the report began in 1995. The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that prohibits housing and housing-related discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, familial status, or disability. Your complaint should include the facts that prove why you believe you were violated. A disability is defined in the Fair Housing Act as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a persons major life activities. Major life activities can include caring for ones self, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. We are always looking for mystery shoppers who can volunteer to help keep discrimination out of our housing market. Generally speaking, the FHA does not apply to hotels. Shutts Recognized by LCLD as 2022 Top Performer and . Make housing unavailable or deny that housing is available; Set different terms, conditions or privileges for the sale or rental of housing, a mortgage, home loan, home insurance or any other housing transaction; Threaten, coerce, or intimidate anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others in exercising those rights; and. Some housing is set aside for people who are aged 55 or older. Tell me your story. Housing Discrimination Questionnaire (REV 01/2023) Page 2 . HUD and Housing Discrimination I believe I may have been discriminated against when applying for housing in Florida. If elected, HUD will refer your case to the U.S. Department of Justice, who will file a civil suit on your behalf in the district where the discrimination took place. Possible remedies for housing discrimination include injunctions, restraining orders, damages, court costs and attorney fees. Indicates required information. Construction Accidents: Protecting Your Rights and Seeking Compensation, Wrongful Death: A Tragedy Made Worse by Legal Complexities, The Process of Receiving a Settlement Check in Chicago. Services Law, Real Don't wait to talk to a discrimination attorney and find out how federal law and state law can be used to hold those who discriminated against you accountable. This includes housing when the housing is provided or made available by a public entity regardless of whether the entity receives federal financial assistance. FindLaw.com Free, trusted legal information for consumers and legal professionals, SuperLawyers.com Directory of U.S. attorneys with the exclusive Super Lawyers rating, Abogado.com The #1 Spanish-language legal website for consumers, LawInfo.com Nationwide attorney directory and legal consumer resources. Click here to see a state-by-state list of HUDs Substantially Equivalent Agencies here. Housing discrimination is illegal, but its not always easy to prove. How Does Closing a Credit Card Impact Your Credit? However, when the couple arrives to the unit thirty minutes later, and the landlord sees that the couple is interracial, they are told that the unit has since been rented; and. Some housing may be subject to the accessibility requirements of other laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and local building codes. View Website View Lawyer Profile. The Florida Commission on Human Relations was created to uphold state laws offering protection from discrimination in both housing and employment. It is against the law to do any of the following based on race, color, national origin, gender, handicap, familial status, or religion: Our office has also successfully sued for discrimination based on the past criminal history of prospective tenants and for discrimination based on source of income. Who Can File? Generally, the Fair Housing Act applies to a broad range of persons and entities, including public housing agencies, property owners, landlords, housing managers, real estate agents, brokerage service agencies, and banks. If you live in HUD-assisted housing such as public housing, project based section 8 housing, Section 202 and 811 supportive housing for the elderly and people with disabilities, and are experiencing domestic violence, you have options that will help you to keep your housing or allow you to move for safety reasons. There are state and federal laws in place that make it illegal to deny someone housing based solely on the above mentioned characteristics. Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA) seeks a dedicated Florida licensed attorney to supervise its Fair Housing Unit in order to enforce the Fair Housing Act throughout Northeast Florida, which . By Marcia Stewart. They can choose to exclude children under 18 altogether and only allow persons 55 and older to rent or buy. is a request to physically modify your housing space or a common area space that all tenants share. If you suspect that youve been treated unfairly in housing, the first step you should take is to document as much as possible about the discrimination as you can. Unlike discrimination against some of the other protected classes, racial discrimination in the housing industry is not always easy to spot. Represented doctors in discrimination cases against their employers. You have two years from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a civil suit. All rights reserved. Sex discrimination laws can also protect: Protections for persons who experienced or are currently experiencing sexual harassment. Traditional and non-traditional families, such as single-parent families or two same-sex parents; Persons in the process of securing legal custody of children through foster care, adoption, or divorce; and. Although the apartment building has parking on a first come, first served basis, the man is allowed to have a reserved space closest to his unit. If you feel you have been denied fair treatment during the process of securing housing due to your disability, you have options. Under the Fair Housing Act, Floridians are legally entitled to housing without the consideration of their race, gender, disability, religion, national origin, or familial status. HUD will review their facts and determination, and will decide whether to change it or leave it as is. .nf-form-content .nf-field-container #nf-field-6-wrap .nf-field-label label { The Commission offers mediation services, providing a free and impartial way to solve conflicts, and enforces Florida's Civil Rights and Fair Housing laws. HUD complaints can be filed by mail, submitting online forms, through email, or over the phone. Persons who are experiencing or have experienced Sexual Harassment in their housing; or. of when the last act of discrimination occurred. The ADA is divided into five titles as follows: Title I: Employment This title covers all aspects of employment, including a provision that says employers must provide reasonable accommodations to disabled employees so that they can perform their work duties. Call the HUD case managers toll-free (800) 669-9777 or TTY (800) 927-9275.You can also follow this link for a HUD directory. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. An elderly man living in an apartment building has a physical impairment due to aging and requests that grab bars be installed in his bathroom in order to stabilize himself. This can include: Familial status discrimination can look like: Unlike other areas of discrimination, there are some exceptions to familial status anti-discrimination protections: It is illegal for housing providers to discriminate against you based on your sex/gender.