FL H0453

Allows persons aggrieved by discriminatory housing practices to file civil actions to enforce Fair Housing Act rights without first filing a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations or regardless of any pending complaint status.

Prohibits civil actions if the Commission or local agency has obtained a conciliation agreement with the aggrieved person's consent, except to enforce the terms of that agreement.

Complaint filing deadline remains 1 year after the alleged discriminatory practice occurred, with the Commission required to investigate within 100 days.

Court may impose fines up to $10,000 for first violations, $25,000 for one prior violation within 5 years, and $50,000 for two or more violations within 7 years.

Effective date is July 1, 2014.