Both Florida and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of particular protected characteristics. Employers in the city of Sarasota County, whether public or private, may be held liable under federal and state laws depending on the type of trait first prompted the discrimination.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

Employment discrimination occurs if an employer treats you wrongly because of your membership in a legally protected category. Traits that employers may not use to evaluate you include race, national origin, gender, religion and familial status. Plaintiffs in Sarasota County, Florida are required to prove that their employer treated them unfairly due to their protected status in order to succeed on an employment discrimination claim.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Florida?

This may be proved when there is a history of the employer treating members of the class similarly, or if witnesses testify about the employer's statements which would constitute bias as understood by a reasonable person. Additionally, an employer who fires someone or otherwise retaliates because of a discrimination lawsuit is in clear violation of the law.

Because it involves filing a claim with certain agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. Lawyers in the city of Sarasota County, Florida may direct you in filing your claim on time, and while your case is pending, they can help you pursue additional remedies that might be available for you.