Bill > H1407

This bill modifies existing Florida law regarding civil actions, specifically those handled by the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). It removes the requirement for the FCHR to send certain documents to individuals by registered mail, opting for a less formal method. Crucially, the bill establishes new timeframes for commencing civil actions related to alleged violations of civil rights. A civil action must now be filed within one year of the FCHR's determination of reasonable cause or the issuance of a Notice of Right to Sue by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), whichever comes first. If neither of these events occurs within 180 days of filing a complaint, a civil action can be filed up to 18 months after the initial complaint. The bill also makes technical changes, including clarifying that certain damages limitations from other sections of Florida Statutes do not apply to these civil rights actions, and specifies that attorney's fees can be awarded to the prevailing party, consistent with federal law.