This bill amends section 760.11 of the Florida Statutes, which pertains to remedies for violations of the Florida Civil Rights Act. It revises the timeframe for bringing a civil action by allowing complainants to file a lawsuit if the Florida Commission on Human Relations or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission does not make a determination within 180 days after a complaint is filed. The bill specifies that a civil action must be filed no later than 18 months after the complaint is submitted if no determination is made. Additionally, it clarifies that the judgment for punitive damages awarded to an aggrieved person may not exceed $100,000 and that the state and its agencies may not be liable for punitive damages.

The bill also reenacts section 760.07 to incorporate the amendments made to section 760.11. It maintains the right to trial by jury for cases seeking compensatory or punitive damages and establishes that the commission's determination of reasonable cause is not admissible in civil proceedings, except to establish the right to maintain a private right of action. The effective date of the act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1096 Filed: 760.11