BROWARD COUNTY, FL – Landlords, property owners, homeowners and condo associations in Broward County can’t refuse to rent or sell a property to someone because they have been a victim of human trafficking.   The new ordinance, that will add the category of human trafficking to a long list of anti-discrimination categories was passed by County Commissioners, along with a myriad of legal procedures to further strengthen and enforce Broward’s human rights policies. 

The Broward County Human Rights Act already prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, veteran or service member status, lawful source of income or domestic violence, dating violence or stalking. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

"I would like the County Attorney to capture all the data and the ordinance changes from throughout the United States that will allow us to be the best and most inclusive and progressive County in terms of human rights. I think we have a Human Rights Board that does a phenomenal job," noted Broward Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief. 

The definition of victim of human trafficking generally means a person who has experienced one or more acts that constitutes, or are deemed under state or federal law as, transporting, soliciting, recruiting, harboring, enticing, maintaining, or obtaining another person for the purpose of forced labor, domestic servitude or sexual exploitation using fraud, force or coercion. 

Landlords, property owners, homeowners and condo associations have 45 days to respond to a completed housing application. If the application is rejected, the ordinance specifies that a written notice must state with specificity each reason for the rejection.  The ordinance also specifies a detailed administrative process for appeals and legal hearings if landlords/homeowners or associations are found to be in violation of the law.

Under the ordinance, if a party has been found to be engaging in housing discrimination, they could be held liable for actual damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees, or other equitable relief and increased fines beginning at $16,000 for a first time offense. Civil penalties can also be charged if a person fails to respond to a demand letter from the Human Rights Section.  

The new ordinance also adds “housing related hate act” to the law covering discriminatory housing practices that also include violence, damage to property, intimidation or threats.

If you believe you have been discriminated against in employment, housing, and/or public accommodation, you can find information on how to file a complaint with the Human Rights Section here.

Broward County’s Nancy J Cotterman Center has a variety of services for victims of human trafficking and other sexual assault and child abuse crimes. 

January 8, 2020

Media Contact:

Kimberly Maroe

Public Information Manager

Broward County Board of Commissioners

(954) 357-8053

kmaroe@broward.org