How to File an FCHR Complaint in Florida (2026)

Quick Answer: To file a discrimination complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR), you must submit your complaint within 365 days of the discriminatory act. You can file online, by mail, or in person. The process is free, and you don't need an attorney. FCHR will investigate and issue a determination. If not resolved, you can pursue a lawsuit.

Filing with FCHR is your first step toward holding your employer accountable.

Before You File: Important Information

What FCHR Handles

FCHR accepts complaints about:

• Employment discrimination
• Housing discrimination
• Public accommodation discrimination

Employment discrimination includes:

• Race, color, national origin
• Sex (including pregnancy)
• Religion
• Age
• Disability (handicap)
• Marital status (Florida-specific)
• AIDS/HIV status (Florida-specific)
• Retaliation for opposing discrimination

Critical Deadline

You have 365 days from the date of discrimination to file with FCHR.

The clock starts: On the date of the discriminatory act (termination, denial of promotion, last harassment incident, etc.).

Don't wait: File as early as possible. Last-minute filings risk missing the deadline.

FCHR vs. EEOC

Work-sharing agreement: FCHR and EEOC have a work-sharing agreement. Filing with one can preserve your rights with both—check the dual-filing box.

Do You Need an Attorney?

No. You can file and pursue an FCHR complaint yourself. The process is designed to be accessible.

When an attorney helps:

• Complex discrimination claims
• Large potential damages
• Employer has aggressive legal representation
• You want to pursue a lawsuit

Step 1: Gather Your Information

What You'll Need

Your information:

• Full legal name
• Address, phone, email
• Best times to contact you

Employer information:

• Company name
• Address
• Phone number
• Number of employees (if known)

Details of discrimination:

• Dates of discriminatory acts
• Description of what happened
• Who was involved (names, titles)
• Witnesses (names, contact info if available)
• Why you believe it was discrimination

Supporting documents (if available):

• Termination letter
• Performance reviews
• Emails or messages
• Company policies
• Any written complaints you made

Write Your Summary

Prepare a clear description of what happened:

• Who discriminated against you
• What happened
• When it happened (specific dates)
• Why you believe it was discrimination
• What harm you suffered

Keep it factual. Describe what happened, not just how you felt.

Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method

Option A: File Online (Recommended)

Website: fchr.myflorida.com

Process:

1. Go to FCHR website
2. Navigate to "File a Complaint" section
3. Complete the online intake form
4. Upload supporting documents
5. Submit

Advantages:

• Available 24/7
• Immediate confirmation
• Easy to upload documents

Option B: File by Mail

Address: Florida Commission on Human Relations 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 110 Tallahassee, FL 32399-7020

Process:

1. Download complaint form from fchr.myflorida.com
2. Complete the form
3. Attach supporting documents
4. Mail to FCHR

Mail early: Allow time for delivery before deadline.

Option C: File by Phone/In Person

Phone: 850-488-7082

In person: Visit FCHR office in Tallahassee

Good for: People who need assistance with the form or have questions.

Step 3: Complete the Complaint Form

Required Information

Personal information:

• Your name, address, phone, email
• Your employer's name, address, phone
• Your job title and work location

Discrimination details:

• Type of discrimination (check all that apply)
• Date(s) of discrimination
• Detailed description of what happened
• Names of people involved
• Witnesses

What you're seeking:

• Reinstatement
• Back pay
• Policy changes
• Other remedies

Tips for Writing Your Complaint

Be specific:

• Include exact dates
• Name specific people involved
• Describe specific incidents

Be factual:

• Describe what happened, not how you felt
• Include direct quotes if you remember them
• Note what you observed, not assumptions

Be complete:

• Include all relevant incidents
• Mention all protected categories that apply
• Describe the harm you suffered

Dual Filing with EEOC

Check the box to have your complaint cross-filed with EEOC. This preserves your federal law rights.

Step 4: Submit Your Complaint

Review Before Submitting

Check:

• All required fields completed
• Dates are accurate
• Names are spelled correctly
• Contact information is current
• Supporting documents attached

Get Confirmation

After submitting:

• Keep copy of everything you submitted
• Note the date you filed
• Save any confirmation number or email
• Keep documents in a safe place

Step 5: The Investigation Process

Employer Response

Employer receives notice and has opportunity to respond to your allegations.

FCHR Investigation

FCHR investigator will:

• Review your complaint and employer's response
• Request additional documents if needed
• May interview parties
• Gather evidence

Your role:

• Respond promptly to investigator requests
• Provide additional information as asked
• Cooperate fully with investigation

Timeline

Investigations can take several months to over a year.

Factors affecting timeline:

• Complexity of case
• Cooperation of parties
• FCHR workload

Step 6: Determination

Possible Outcomes

Reasonable Cause:

• FCHR finds evidence supporting discrimination
• Case proceeds to conciliation or hearing

No Reasonable Cause:

• FCHR doesn't find sufficient evidence
• You can still file lawsuit in court

After Determination

If "Reasonable Cause":

• FCHR attempts conciliation (settlement)
• If no settlement, may proceed to administrative hearing
• You may file lawsuit instead

If "No Reasonable Cause":

• Case closed at FCHR
• You can still file lawsuit in state court
• FCHR determination isn't binding on courts

Step 7: Pursuing a Lawsuit

When You Can Sue

You can file lawsuit:

• 180 days after filing FCHR complaint (even without determination)
• After receiving determination
• Within statute of limitations

Where to File

State court: For FCRA claims Federal court: For Title VII claims (need EEOC right to sue letter)

Time Limits for Lawsuit

After receiving determination or right to sue letter:

• Act promptly
• Specific deadlines depend on type of claim

Tips for Success

Do's

• File early: Don't wait until the deadline
• Be thorough: Include all relevant details
• Be honest: Never exaggerate or misrepresent
• Stay organized: Keep records of everything
• Respond promptly: Meet all deadlines
• Stay professional: Focus on facts

Don'ts

• Don't miss the deadline: 365 days is strict
• Don't destroy evidence: Keep all documents
• Don't discuss case with employer without guidance
• Don't give up: Process takes time

Contact Information

Florida Commission on Human Relations

Phone: 850-488-7082

Website: fchr.myflorida.com

Email: [email protected]

Address: 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 110 Tallahassee, FL 32399-7020

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

EEOC Tampa District Office

Phone: 813-228-2310 or 1-800-669-4000

Address: 501 E. Polk Street, Suite 1000 Tampa, FL 33602

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file anonymously?

No. You must identify yourself to file a complaint. However, FCHR keeps investigation materials confidential.

Do I need evidence to file?

You don't need proof to file—that's what investigation is for. But provide any evidence you have.

Can I file if I'm still employed?

Yes. Many people file while still working. Retaliation for filing is illegal.

What if my employer retaliates?

Retaliation is a separate violation. Report it to FCHR immediately. It strengthens your case.

How long does the process take?

Investigations typically take several months to over a year. Varies by complexity and workload.

Can I withdraw my complaint?

Yes, you can withdraw at any time. Consider carefully—you may lose the ability to refile.

What if I miss the 365-day deadline?

You likely lose your ability to file with FCHR. You may still be within EEOC's 300-day deadline, or have other options. Consult an attorney immediately.

Related Topics

• Florida Workplace Discrimination
• Florida Sexual Harassment
• Florida Workplace Retaliation
• EEOC Filing Process

Take Action

Filing an FCHR complaint is free and accessible. If you've experienced discrimination, don't let the deadline pass.

Gather your information, file your complaint, and let FCHR investigate. You have the right to a workplace free from discrimination.

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about filing FCHR complaints and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified employment attorney.

For official information:

• Florida Commission on Human Relations: https://fchr.myflorida.com/ | 850-488-7082