How to File an Employment Law Claim in Broward County (2026)

By Michelle Cohen Levy

  |  

Employment Law

  |  

Last Modified on May 25, 2026

When facing discrimination at your workplace due to harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, or other various types of violations, you may want to know how to file an employment law claim in Broward County.

Hire an Employment Lawyer

Filing an employment law claim can be challenging if you don’t hire an employment lawyer. There are often tight deadlines and extensive documentation needed to prove your case. At The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., we have more than a decade of experience working with South Florida clients who have experienced discrimination.

Employment in Broward County

During 2024, Broward County employed 1.01 million people, a 1.65% increase from the previous year. The most populous jobs included management, office and administrative support, and sales. The largest employment sectors included health care and social assistance, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services.

The highest-paying industries for both men and women during 2024 were public administration, finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing, and information. Although the median earnings for men ($50,409) were significantly higher than for women ($40,960).

Employment law cases can result in either state or federal charges, depending on which laws are specifically broken. Before filing a civil claim in court, you may be required to file a complaint through an administrative agency.

For civil court matters, state cases in Broward County are handled at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Cases are heard by the 17th Judicial Circuit. Federal cases are handled at the Fort Lauderdale Federal Courthouse by the U.S. District Court.

Steps in an Employment Law Claim

If you are facing harassment or discrimination in the workplace, there are some steps you can take to address the behavior and find a resolution. These steps include:

• Follow the procedures in your workplace to address interpersonal conflicts. You should have documentation showing your effort to address the behavior and find a resolution.
• If the behaviors are a violation of state law, your next step is to contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). You have one year from the alleged discrimination to file a complaint.
• If the behaviors violate a federal law, you should file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You have 300 days from the date of the alleged discrimination to file your complaint. Many FCHR complaints are dual-filed with the EEOC under a work-sharing agreement and do not require separate filing.
• Regardless of which agency you contact, they then review the documents you submitted and determine if the complaint has merit.
• If either agency moves forward with your complaint, they may schedule mediation or reconciliation to work out a solution with your employer.
• You could also be issued a Notice of Right to Sue, which gives you the ability to file a civil claim in court and seek monetary compensation for the harassment or discrimination you faced.

Early in the process, you should consult with an employment law attorney to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific complaint. Your attorney can help you gather appropriate evidence of what you have faced, which should include:

• Dates and descriptions of the harassment or discrimination
• Names and contact information of potential witnesses
• Relevant communications
• Official evaluations and records of your performance

FAQs

How Can You Prove You Are Being Treated Unfairly at Work?

It can be difficult to prove you are being treated unfairly at work, so you have to gather as much evidence of the unfair treatment as possible. The evidence is likely to be secondary or circumstantial, and you also have to demonstrate how it connects to the unfair treatment.

Once you demonstrate that you are part of a protected class, you can present evidence that shows other employees were treated better. You can also present witnesses who observed the unfair treatment.

What Are Some Examples of Unfair Discrimination in the Workplace?

Workplace discrimination can take many forms, but it often involves unfair treatment. Age discrimination could involve firing older employees or forcing early retirement. Gender discrimination is often seen through unequal pay standards for similar work.

Failing to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled or pregnant employees also constitutes discrimination. Creating a hostile work environment through demeaning jokes is another form of discrimination.

Can I File a Claim Against My Employer for Creating a Hostile Work Environment?

Yes, there are situations in which you can file a claim against your employer for creating a hostile work environment. If you are a member of a protected class, and the harassment you face is severe or pervasive, you can file a claim.

You may have to follow a few additional steps before you can file a claim in civil court. Speak with your manager or the human resources department and try to address the behavior internally first.

Do I Need an Attorney to File a Claim Against My Employer?

No, you are not legally obligated to hire a employment law attorney in Broward County, Florida before filing a claim against your employer, but there are some benefits to having experienced legal counsel. There are specific steps you have to follow before filing a claim.

Your attorney can see that the appropriate steps are followed, that deadlines are met, and that your documentation is thorough.

Can I File an Employment Law Claim If the Harassment Occurred Outside of the Office?

You can file an employment law claim for harassment that occurs outside of the office if your work is affected. If the harassment occurs at work-related events, such as conferences or company parties, you can file an employment law claim.

If you are harassed outside of work by a coworker or manager and that harassment affects your job performance, you can also file a claim. For instance, receiving threatening messages and being fearful of returning to the office could warrant a claim.

Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A.

Workplace harassment is not a form of hazing or something most people experience when starting a new job or after a job change. You do not have to suffer through a hostile work environment or fear retaliation when speaking out.

Employer violations and discrimination against any employee for any reason warrant a formal complaint and possible legal action. Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., today to schedule your initial consultation.