What Should I Do If I’m Being Sexually Harassed At Work In Florida?

If you are being sexually harassed at work in Florida, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your rights and preserve your legal claims. Every case is different, but five key steps can help you build a strong foundation before filing a lawsuit. The earlier you speak with an experienced Florida sexual harassment attorney, the better your chances of obtaining justice and fair compensation.

1. Contact A Florida Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Your first step should always be to consult an experienced employment lawyer. Sexual harassment cases can be emotionally draining, and navigating company procedures or government filings on your own can be confusing and risky.

An experienced Florida sexual harassment attorney can help you understand your legal options, evaluate the strength of your claim, and take action to protect you from retaliation.

Because these cases often involve deeply personal details, it’s important to choose an attorney you trust and feel comfortable with. Once you retain a lawyer, you gain attorney-client privilege and immediate access to professional legal advice tailored to your situation.

2. Gather Documentation And Evidence

Whether you are still employed or have already left the company, begin working with your attorney to compile all relevant documentation. This may include:

• Emails, texts, or other electronic messages that contain inappropriate comments or conduct
• Notes about specific incidents (dates, times, and witnesses)
• Performance reviews, reports, or internal complaints
• Names of coworkers who may have witnessed the behavior

If you are still working for the employer, your attorney can help you prepare and submit a detailed complaint to human resources (HR) in accordance with Florida employment law. Submitting a proper internal complaint is critical. If done incorrectly, it can give your employer a defense later, claiming they were not properly notified of the harassment. Your attorney can ensure that your report includes the necessary language to put the company on notice and trigger its legal obligations to act.

3. Attempt To Negotiate A Resolution

After your lawyer makes contact with your employer, it may agree to discuss a potential resolution. Many sexual harassment and discrimination cases in Florida resolve at this stage—before anything is filed with an administrative agency or court. Negotiations allow you to:

• Maintain control over your outcome
• Seek compensation or other remedies confidentially
• Avoid the emotional toll of litigation

A skilled employment attorney can negotiate directly with your employer or through a mediator to pursue a fair resolution while protecting your privacy and professional reputation.

4. File With The EEOC Or Florida Commission On Human Relations (FCHR)

Before filing a lawsuit in Florida, you must first submit a Charge of Discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR), or a local county agency.

These filings have strict deadlines and require specific legal terminology to preserve your claims under state and federal law—including the Florida Civil Rights Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. An attorney ensures your charge:

• Meets all procedural deadlines
• Uses the proper legal language to protect your rights
• Invokes your protection from employer retaliation

5. File A Lawsuit (If Necessary)

If your employer refuses to resolve the issue through negotiations or administrative channels, your attorney may file a lawsuit for sexual harassment or retaliation in state or federal court. Even at this stage, most cases resolve before trial. However, your attorney will prepare your case as if it is going to trial—gathering witnesses, evidence, and sometimes expert testimony to present the strongest argument possible.

The Takeaway

Dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace is overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Speaking with an experienced Florida sexual harassment and employment discrimination lawyer early on can help you understand your rights, build your case, and secure a fair resolution.