The bill amends the Florida Civil Rights Act, specifically section 760.11, by removing the requirement for the Florida Commission on Human Relations to send certain information via registered mail and making various technical changes. It revises the timeframe for filing civil actions related to violations of the act, allowing complainants to initiate a civil action if the commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission does not make a determination within a specified timeframe. The bill also reenacts section 760.07 to incorporate these amendments, ensuring that the remedies for unlawful discrimination are aligned with the changes made in section 760.11.

Key changes include the requirement that complaints must be filed within 365 days after the alleged violation, and the commission must notify the parties involved within 180 days of the complaint being filed. The bill also clarifies that if a determination is not made within the specified timeframe, complainants can bring a civil action within 18 months of filing the complaint. Additionally, it establishes that punitive damages against the state and its agencies are not allowed, and the total recovery against them is limited as per existing law. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1096 Filed: 760.11