Florida law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical acts. Sexual advances, creating a hostile work environment that is blatantly sexual in nature, and sexual advances are some of the more frequent forms of sexual harassment amongst employers.
How does Florida Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, Gainesville employers can be required to formulate company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, process for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.
There are also federal and Florida laws that have established agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate a Gainesville workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Employers are also barred under these laws from taking action in retaliation against an employee who has claimed sexual harassment, such as firing them or denying them a promotion.
How can a Florida attorney help?
It can be difficult to both investigate and show a sexual harassment claim without having any expertise in the applicable areas of law. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harassment are, unfortunately, frequently too busy to give much attention to any one claim. With that in mind, you should consider speaking with an attorney in Gainesville, as this may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed before the deadlines set by the laws of Florida.