FL H0653

Adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as protected classes to Florida's civil rights laws, alongside existing protections for race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and marital status.

Applies new protections across employment, housing, public accommodations (including lodging and food service establishments), and public contracting.

Replaces the term "handicap" with "disability" throughout Florida Statutes and creates new provisions for evaluating impairments that align with federal disability law, including protections for episodic conditions and consideration of mitigating measures.

Defines "gender identity or expression" as gender-related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior regardless of assigned sex at birth, and "sexual orientation" as actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.