Jurisdiction: A Brief Overview

Jurisdiction, i.e., the location of the agency authorized to process a complaint, is determined by a combination of the OHR and EEOC rules and regulations, mandated by Chapter 57 and the OHR's worksharing agreement with EEOC.

Chapter 57 applies to all employers with 6 or more employees including employment agencies and labor organizations in the city limits of Orlando. Employment discrimination complaints involving employers with 15 or more employees and based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 and over), disability (mental or physical) are filed under federal law, and is dual filed with the State of Florida. The worksharing agreement authorizes the OHR to investigate complaints filed under federal law.

Note that the basis of sexual orientation is not covered by federal law; therefore, if jurisdictional requirements are met, a complaint alleging discrimination because of sexual orientation is filed only under Chapter 57 of the Code of the City of Orlando.