Kissimmee Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Kissimmee Workplace Discrimination Attorney

Work should be a place where performance is the only thing that matters. Workplace discrimination affects employees all across Florida, often in ways that are hard to recognize at first glance. While employers are legally prohibited from discriminating based on protected characteristics, that doesn’t mean they all follow the law. A Kissimmee workplace discrimination lawyer can be your trusted ally if you’ve been unfairly treated at work based on a protected trait.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination happens when a boss or business treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because of a protected characteristic. Under federal and state law, this includes race, color, sex, pregnancy, age over 40, disability, religion, and national origin. Discrimination can affect any part of employment, from hiring and termination to pay and promotions.

It’s important to note that not every unfair or frustrating workplace situation is considered illegal discrimination. The key factor is whether the treatment is tied to a protected characteristic or whether a policy disproportionately harms a protected group.

Discrimination is often subtle and may appear as unequal opportunities, inconsistent discipline, or being treated differently. When these patterns are connected to a protected status, they may violate the law and give rise to legal claims.

Laws the Protect Florida Workers

Florida employees enjoy protections under both federal and state laws that make workplace discrimination illegal. Federally, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act all join together to prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, disability, and other traits.

At the state level, the Florida Civil Rights Act provides similar protections to the federal laws. The law makes it illegal for employers to make decisions about hiring, firing, pay, promotions, or job conditions based on a protected characteristic. These laws also prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report discrimination or participate in an investigation.

Signs of Discrimination in the Workplace

Employment law reports like discrimination have been on the rise in recent years, with the EEOC seeing a more than 9% rise in claims from 2023 to 2024. With the increase in reports, workers need to know what signs of discrimination to look out for. Common warning signs of discrimination include:

• Being ignored for promotions despite strong qualifications and performance
• Receiving harsher discipline than coworkers for similar issues
• Sudden negative performance reviews
• Exclusion from meetings, projects, or opportunities
• Unequal pay for similar roles and experience
• Offensive comments, jokes, or harassment based on protected characteristics
• Retaliation after reporting concerns or participating in an investigation

About the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A.

At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., our team has over 20 years of experience helping employees in Florida stand up to workplace discrimination. Having served as an administrative judge and trial attorney for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Attorney Gary Costales has a thorough understanding of employment law. He puts that knowledge to work for his clients, whether representing them in negotiations or the courtroom.

Board-certified in Labor and Employment Law, Attorney Gary Costales’ experience and background make him an excellent advocate who works tirelessly to help workers get justice after experiencing discrimination. Having represented both employees and employers, he knows what the other side is thinking, helping him craft strong strategies.

FAQs

Can You File a Claim for Discrimination in Florida?

Yes, you can file a claim for discrimination in Florida under federal law via the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or under state law through the Florida Commission on Human Relations. However, there are deadlines to file a report, so it’s wise to work with a Kissimmee workplace discrimination attorney to make sure you don’t miss the cutoff. If the EEOC or FCHR cannot resolve the matter, you may be issued a “Right to Sue” letter.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for a Hostile Work Environment?

Yes, it is often worth filing a claim for a hostile work environment. Under state and federal law, you have the right to a safe workplace that’s free of discrimination and other illegal practices. When your employer fails to provide that, you may receive compensation. What’s more, by filing a claim, you could prevent hostile behavior from occurring again, keeping your coworkers and future employees safe.

How Long After Leaving a Job Can You File a Claim for Discrimination?

How long after leaving a job you have to file a discrimination claim depends on when the act occurred. How long it’s been since you’ve been employed at the company doesn’t weigh into your ability to report the incident.

Rather, the EEOC and FCHR have strict filing deadlines. In many cases, the EEOC gives you 300 days from the date of discrimination to file, whereas the FCHR gives you up to 365 days.

What Is Considered Discrimination in the Workplace in Florida?

Discrimination in the workplace in Florida includes any time an employer treats you unfairly because of a protected characteristic, such as: 

• Race
• Color
• Sex
• Religion
• National origin
• Age
• Disability
• Pregnancy

Federal and state laws explicitly prohibit these types of behavior, which can include hiring biases, unequal pay, wrongful termination, harassment, or denial of promotions or training opportunities. The conduct must negatively affect your employment and be tied directly to your protected status.

Hire a Kissimee Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

If you’ve been treated unfairly in the workplace based on a protected trait, it’s important to know that you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages. Hire a workplace discrimination lawyer to help you investigate the incident, collect evidence of discrimination, and negotiate with your employer for a settlement or represent you in court.

Contact the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., today to discuss your case and learn more about our legal services. We can explain Florida’s workplace discrimination laws, assess the validity of your case, and get to work creating a strategy to help you pursue damages. Workplace discrimination cases can be challenging, but you don’t have to manage the process by yourself.