Latest / BSPE Legal Marketing Podcast / How Do You File an EEOC Charge in Florida? - BT Law Group, PLLC

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How Do You File an EEOC Charge in Florida? - BT Law Group, PLLC · BSPE Legal Marketing Podcast

• 0:00
  How Do You File an EEOC Charge in Florida?
• 0:02
  If you believe you have been discriminated against at work in Florida, understanding how to file an EEOC charge correctly — and on time — could determine whether you ever get your day in court.
• 0:12
  In Florida, you can file an employment discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission through the Public Portal after an intake interview, in person at an EEOC office, by mail, or through a qualifying state or local agency.
• 0:26
  It is important to understand that calling the EEOC can help start the process, but the phone call itself does not constitute a filed charge.
• 0:34
  Most Florida discrimination claims fall under a 300-day EEOC filing period, because the Florida Commission on Human Relations enforces the Florida Civil Rights Act, which covers many of the same protected bases as federal law.
• 0:47
  The exact deadline depends on the specific law and the type of claim you are bringing, so identifying that deadline early is one of the most important steps you can take.
• 0:55
  For age discrimination claims under the ADEA, the extension to 300 days applies only if a state law prohibits age discrimination and a state agency enforces that law, making this a distinct and critical deadline question.
• 1:08
  The Florida Civil Rights Act carries its own separate deadline, requiring that an FCRA complaint be filed with the FCHR within 365 days of the alleged violation under Florida Statutes Section 760.11.
• 1:21
  An EEOC charge of discrimination is a signed statement asserting that an organization engaged in employment discrimination and formally asking the EEOC to take remedial action on your behalf.
• 1:32
  Filing a charge is not the same as making an informal internal complaint to human resources — it initiates a federal administrative process that is legally required before most private sector discrimination lawsuits can be brought.
• 1:44
  Laws enforced by the EEOC include Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
• 1:59
  Before you begin the filing process, gather your contact information, the employer's contact information, a short description of what happened, the relevant dates, and the reason you believe the conduct was discriminatory.
• 2:11
  You do not need a complete evidence file to file a charge, though documents like performance reviews, pay records, text messages, and written warnings can be useful when they relate to your allegations.
• 2:21
  Once you are ready to file, you can submit your charge online through the EEOC Public Portal, visit the Miami District Office in person, send a signed letter by mail, or file through a state or local Fair Employment Practices Agency.
• 2:34
  BT Law Group, PLLC represents employees across Miami in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination matters, with attorney Jason D. Berkowitz and attorney Anisley Tarragona ready to review your workplace events and identify the legal issues that affect your EEOC filing.
• 2:53
  As an experienced employment lawyer, Anisley Tarragona can also review your records, identify which facts are most relevant to the charge, and help organize your information before you file.
• 3:03
  Jason D. Berkowitz, a recognized lawyer on the Florida Super Lawyers list from 2023 to 2026, brings years of federal and state court litigation experience to each case handled by the firm.
• 3:16
  Contact BT Law Group, PLLC at 305, 507, 8506, located at 3050 Biscayne Blvd STE 205, Miami, FL 33137, United States, to speak with an employment law team about the deadline and filing route that apply to your claim.