Key Takeaways
- The Florida Fair Housing Act (Chapter 760) mirrors federal fair housing law with the same seven protected classes
- Florida does not add additional protected classes beyond federal law (unlike California)
- The Florida Commission on Human Relations investigates fair housing complaints
- Complaints must be filed within 1 year of the discriminatory act
- Local ordinances may provide additional protections beyond state and federal law
Last updated: January 2026
Florida Fair Housing
The Florida Fair Housing Act (Chapter 760, Florida Statutes) provides protections similar to federal fair housing law.
Protected Classes
Florida's Fair Housing Act protects the same seven classes as federal law:
| Protected Class | Examples |
|---|---|
| Race | Any racial group |
| Color | Skin color |
| Religion | Any religious belief or practice |
| National Origin | Country of birth, ancestry |
| Sex | Gender, including pregnancy |
| Familial Status | Families with children under 18 |
| Handicap (Disability) | Physical or mental impairment |
Note: Unlike California, Florida does not add state-specific protected classes beyond federal law.
Local Ordinances
Some Florida cities and counties add protections for:
| Jurisdiction | Additional Classes |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Sexual orientation, gender identity |
| Broward County | Sexual orientation, gender identity |
| City of Orlando | Sexual orientation, gender identity |
Florida Commission on Human Relations
The FCHR enforces Florida's fair housing law:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Investigate complaints | Receive and process complaints |
| Mediation | Attempt to resolve disputes |
| Determine cause | Find whether discrimination occurred |
| Administrative hearing | If cause is found |
Filing a Complaint
Timeline
| Deadline | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 year | From discriminatory act to file with FCHR |
| 2 years | To file in state court |
| Cross-filing | FCHR may refer to HUD |
Remedies Available
| Remedy | Description |
|---|---|
| Actual damages | Economic and emotional |
| Injunctive relief | Stop the discrimination |
| Civil penalties | First offense up to $10,000 |
| Attorney's fees | If complainant prevails |
Prohibited Practices
Discrimination in Housing
Prohibited actions include:
| Action | Example |
|---|---|
| Refusal to sell/rent | Based on protected class |
| Different terms | Higher rent or deposit |
| Discriminatory advertising | "No children" |
| Steering | Directing to certain areas |
| Blockbusting | Inducing panic selling |
Disability Accommodations
Landlords and sellers must:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Reasonable accommodations | Changes to rules/policies |
| Reasonable modifications | Physical changes (tenant pays) |
| No additional deposit | For assistance animals |
Exemptions
Limited exemptions exist:
| Exemption | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Owner-occupied (4 or fewer units) | No broker, no discriminatory advertising |
| Single-family (owner) | No broker, no discriminatory advertising |
| Religious organizations | For non-commercial housing |
| Private clubs | For members only |
| Senior housing | 55+ or 62+ communities |
Warning: Exemptions do NOT apply if a broker is used or discriminatory advertising is made.
Loading diagram...
Test Your Knowledge
How many protected classes are covered under Florida's Fair Housing Act?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Within what time period must a fair housing complaint be filed with the Florida Commission on Human Relations?
A
B
C
D