Employment
Questions and Answers
Q: How do I file a charge of discrimination?
A: We will get some information from you over the phone. If we are able to help you, we will send you a form to complete. When you have completed the form and returned it, we will set an appointment for you. At a minimum, you MUST meet four requirements to file a charge with Lee County Office of Equal Opportunity. Please visit the filing a charge page, to view those requirements.
Q: I didn't (don't) work in Lee County but meet the other requirements. What can I do?
A: You may file a charge with the U.S. EEOC, Miami District Office. Their address and telephone numbers are:
EEOC, Miami District Office
One Biscayne Tower, Suite 2700
Two S. Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, Fl 33131-1805
Toll Free: 1-800-669-4000
Fax: 305-536-4491
Website: www.eeoc.gov
Q: My employer does not have 6 full-time employees. Is there anything I can do?
A: Probably not. The Lee County ordinance is more inclusive than either the state or federal laws. They both define "employer" as a person employing 15 or more persons.
Q: My latest date of discrimination is over 300 days. Is there anything I can do?
A: Possibly. If the latest date of discrimination is over 300 days but less than 365 days, you may file with the Florida Commission of Human Relations:
FCHR
2009 Apalachee Parkway, Suite 100
Tallahassee, Fl 32301
Toll Free: 1-800-342-8171
Phone: 850-488-7082
For Disabled Persons:
TDD ASCII: 1-800-955-1339
TDD Baudot: 1-800-955-8771
Voice: 1-800-955-8770
Intake forms are available on their website at: fchr.state.fl.us (Click the "Complaints" link).
Q: My latest date of discrimination is over 365 days. Is there anything I can do?
A: Not with this office, EEOC or FCHR. However, you may wish to talk to an attorney to determine what rights, if any, you might have.
Q: What is retaliation?
A: This is where the employer takes adverse action against you because you:
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Filed a discrimination charge, were a witness in a discrimination investigation, etc. and/or
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Opposed discrimination by speaking out to the employer or other employees.
Q: What is a disability?
A: This is a physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more of life's major activities. This also includes a record of such a disability and being regarded as having such a disability.
Q: What does "substantially limit' mean?
A: This means long-term or chronic. Not temporary.
Q: What is a "major life activity"?
A: Major life activities include:
Q: Do either EEOC or FCHR have bases not included under Lee County Ordinance 00-18?
A: Yes. Florida law prohibits discrimination based on age, whether over or under 40, and marital status (the state of being married, single, divorced, etc.) This is in addition to the bases of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and disability.