April 2023 marks the 55th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, also known as the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibiting discrimination in the selling, renting, advertising, and financing of housing, among other housing-related transactions, because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. This revolutionary legislation remedied inequities in housing and is celebrated every April in remembrance of this country’s promise to protect every person’s freedom to choose where to live.
The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FHCR) is the state agency responsible for enforcing the Florida Fair Housing Act through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If you believe you are experiencing housing discrimination in the Sunshine State or would like to request training for your staff to prevent discrimination, contact the FCHR.
In honor of Fair Housing Month, and to express our commitment to ending housing discrimination, FCHR staff was present at the Florida Capitol on April 3rd to connect with Legislators and the public. Throughout the month, the agency will be participating in several fair housing events that will inform citizens of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Planned events include:
April 6th Royal Palm Coast Realty Association Ft. Myers
April 7th NAACP-Collier County Naples
April 25th Pensacola/Escambia County HRC Pensacola
April 27th Big Bend Housing Alliance Tallahassee
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please contact the FCHR at (850) 488-7082, or visit the website at http://fchr.state.fl.us. The agency is committed to serving the State of Florida and protecting fair housing rights for all.
Cheyanne Costilla, Executive Director
The Florida Commission on Human Relations
