Tampa Discrimination Lawyer

Tampa Discrimination Attorney

Discrimination cases can feel deeply personal. Whether based on race, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected status, the impact reaches far beyond a single workplace or rental property. Legal support from a Tampa discrimination lawyer who respects your dignity and prioritizes fairness matters.

The Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., brings decades of experience helping individuals protect their rights under Florida law. Count on representation grounded in knowledge, careful preparation, and a strong record of standing up for clients in sensitive cases.

Where Discrimination Cases Are Filed and What Laws Apply

In Tampa, many discrimination lawsuits begin under the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 (FCRA), codified in Chapter 760 of the Florida Statutes. That law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other settings based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.

Additionally, the FCRA provides administrative and civil remedies for unlawful employment practices, housing discrimination, and denials of public accommodations.

If the case involves federal civil rights, such as violations of federal anti-discrimination laws, it may be filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Tampa Division of that court is located at the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse.

Types of Discrimination Cases Handled

The Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., handles a broad range of discrimination matters under both Florida and federal law. Below are the common types of claims we assist clients with, along with insight into how frequent such filings are:

• Workplace discrimination. This includes wrongful termination, failure to hire, demotions, unequal pay, or denial of promotions based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin. Many of these matters begin with filings under FCRA or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). For example, in fiscal year 2022, the EEOC recorded 88,531 new charges nationwide, a 9% increase from the prior year.
• Age, disability, and protected-status harassment or hostile work environment claims. Some cases involve repeated harassment, discriminatory treatment, or hostile work environments targeting older workers, individuals with disabilities, or others with protected status.
• Housing discrimination or rental housing denials. We represent individuals who face discrimination in housing, such as being denied tenancy, encountering unequal rental terms, or being refused housing because of protected characteristics under state or federal law. The FCRA extends its protections to housing in Florida under many circumstances.
• Denials of services or access in public accommodations. Discrimination is not limited to workplaces or housing. The firm handles claims where clients are denied access to services, accommodations, or public facilities because of their protected status.
• Retaliation claims. Many clients contact the firm not for initial discrimination but because they faced retaliation for complaining about discrimination or for participating in protected activities (such as reporting harassment). Among the EEOC’s lawsuits filed in FY 2023, retaliation was the most commonly alleged basis nationally, appearing in 39.2% of those cases.
• Wrongful termination or failure to hire based on protected status. Our firm helps individuals who believe their termination or non-hire was due to discrimination rather than performance or legitimate business reasons. These claims often rely on documentary evidence such as employment applications, performance reviews, hiring records, or witness testimony to show patterns inconsistent with how other employees were treated.

These varieties of cases often involve complex fact patterns and detailed evidence, from email records and performance evaluations to rental applications or witness statements. Having a firm that understands the scope of state and federal anti-discrimination laws can make a real difference when you want your claim reviewed carefully and pursued properly.

What You Can Expect From Representation in Discrimination Cases

When you work with the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., you gain representation built on decades of real-world experience handling discrimination cases in Tampa and across Florida. The firm has a long history of guiding clients through both state and federal processes, including filings under the FCRA and federal civil rights laws. Clients benefit from a team that has successfully navigated complex legal procedures, administrative investigations, and courtroom proceedings.

The firm focuses on thorough investigation, careful review of documentation, and clear communication at every stage. You can expect:

• Detailed evaluation of your situation against Florida and federal discrimination laws
• Comprehensive review of evidence, including employment records, emails, performance reviews, housing applications, or other documentation
• Guidance through administrative complaints or civil lawsuits filed in the appropriate court
• Representation in negotiations, mediations, or trials when necessary
• Clear explanations of your rights, procedural steps, and realistic possible outcomes

With a proven record of handling sensitive and complex cases, our team emphasizes personalized attention and strategic planning. Every client receives thoughtful advocacy designed to protect their rights, maintain their dignity, and address the specific challenges of their case.

FAQs

Hire a Tampa Discrimination Lawyer and Take Action to Protect Your Rights

If you believe you have experienced unlawful discrimination in Tampa, it is crucial that you hire a Tampa discrimination lawyer with experience handling cases similar to yours. The Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., is ready to provide thoughtful, compassionate representation. Contact us today to begin discussing your situation and exploring your options under Florida and federal law.