Sexual Harassment in the Florida Workplace Statistics

Sexual harassment is a serious issue that employees of all genders and gender identities in every industry can experience. Unfortunately, this problem is growing more common, making it crucial for employees to understand their rights. Navigating this type of case can be overwhelming, but having information on your side can help. In addition to knowing what steps to take if you experience these situations, it can also be helpful to be aware of sexual harassment in the Florida workplace statistics.

By understanding the landscape of different workplaces, you can be prepared for any potential situations that may arise down the road. If a time does come when you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, it’s wise to reach out to a Fort Lauderdale sexual harassment lawyer so you can discuss your legal options.

Sexual Harassment in the Florida Workplace: Statistics

Sexual harassment is a pressing issue that impacts men, women, and nonbinary folk across the entire globe. Federal sexual harassment laws, in addition to those at the state level, exist to keep employees safe from these types of actions. Florida boasts a diverse workforce spanning numerous industries. It is the sixth-largest exporter of goods. Other big industries in the state include:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Aviation and aerospace
• Energy
• Finance
• Foreign trade
• Healthcare
• Life Sciences
• Logistics and distribution
• Military and defense
• Technology

It’s important to note that workers in certain industries, such as service and hospitality, may face unique factors that influence harassment rates. On average, women in workplaces with a high proportion of male coworkers are more likely to report instances of discrimination. In a Pew Research study, 34 percent of women who work mainly with men say that their gender has had a negative impact in the workplace. This is compared to only 13 percent of those who work mainly with other women.

That said, men and people of all genders and gender identities can experience sexual harassment in the workplace. In a 2024 study, 29 percent of male respondents experienced verbal sexual harassment, and another 21 percent experienced physically aggressive sexual harassment. Furthermore, 60 percent of nonbinary employees in the United States have said they have experienced discrimination or harassment in the workplace, too.

How to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Florida Workplace

Now that you have a better idea of how sexual harassment impacts the world around you, it’s important to know what to do with that information. Whether you’re the direct victim of sexual harassment or not, it can affect your workday and can extend to your life outside of work, too. A good way to keep sexual harassment at bay is to report unwelcome behaviors immediately, even if you’re only observing them.

These types of offenders often get away with their actions by isolating their victims and banking on them being too afraid or embarrassed to say anything. When coworkers and peers look out for one another, it’s more difficult for these threats to take hold.

If you are the victim of sexual harassment, you can try handling the situation internally with your employer. If that doesn’t work, you can file with the Florida Commission of Human Relations (FCHR) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) instead.

FAQs

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment in Florida?

Sexual harassment can include many different forms. It can include any unwanted and unwelcome advances or requests for sexual favors. Sexual harassment includes both physical and verbal acts taken against the victim, including discussing sexual activities in the workplace, displaying sexual content in a public space, making lewd jokes, and touching someone inappropriately. Understanding what legally constitutes harassment is critical, as it can include many different forms beyond the obvious.

Can I File a Claim Against My Employer in Fort Lauderdale?

If you believe you’re being sexually harassed in the workplace, your first step is to try to handle the issue internally. If you’re not happy with their response, you have some other options. You can file with the Florida Commission of Human Relations (FCHR) within one year of the last alleged incident or with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 300 days.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?

It’s difficult to determine the exact cost of hiring a sexual harassment lawyer in Florida without knowing more information about your situation. You can expect a Fort Lauderdale sexual harassment lawyer to charge either a flat fee or an hourly rate, depending on the type of services you need and how much support you require throughout the process.

You can typically get a more detailed estimate after an initial consultation with a Florida sexual harassment attorney.

Is It Difficult to Win a Sexual Harassment Case in Fort Lauderdale?

Winning a sexual harassment case involves presenting a case backed by evidence, which often requires being proactive as soon as you notice the unwelcome behavior. A Florida sexual assault attorney can help you build your case with the right information to back it up.

Evidence that can help with your case includes any communications between you and the accused or you and your employer about the situation, physical evidence, records of the complaints, witness statements, and your personal testimony.

Hire a Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Florida Today

Navigating a sexual harassment claim can be daunting and overwhelming. Many people fail to report these types of situations out of fear or because they are unsure of their options. Our job at The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A. is to take some of the heavy lifting off your shoulders, so you can make it through your case and recover damages for your losses.

Our team has experience working in both small boutique firms and large national firms, so we’re confident that we can find a solution for any case. Over the years, we’ve built a stellar reputation, which includes national recognition for our personalized legal strategies.

Our lead attorney was also recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and is on the National Association of Distinguished Counsel’s list of the nation’s top one percent of attorneys. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, you can count on a member of our team to be there to help you through it. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a Florida sexual harassment attorney today.