Human Relations Board offers process to address discrimination

May 6, 2026

Did you know the City of Sarasota has a formal process to address discrimination associated with employment, housing and public accommodations?

You could be eligible to submit a complaint with the City’s Human Relations Board if:

  •  it occurred within the Sarasota city limits
  • occurred within the last 90 days
  • the action was based on a protected class including age, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation and veteran status.

How does it work? City staff will review the complaint, and if eligible, will ask the respondent to provide a response. Both parties are referred to conciliation for an informal resolution. If that succeeds, the matter is closed. If it’s not resolved, a public hearing is held with  the Human Relations Board to determine whether reasonable cause exists. If cause is determined, the complainant may request a right to sue letter and pursue the case in Circuit Court.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to the City’s Human Relations Board staff liaison Jake Brown at Jake.Brown@sarasotafl.gov

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