HB 161 - Florida Competitive Workforce Act

• Adds sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under Florida civil rights law, prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and public lodging/food service establishments.

• Defines "gender identity" as gender-related identity, appearance, or behavior regardless of whether it differs from the person's physiology or assigned sex at birth; and "sexual orientation" as heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.

• Provides exceptions for constitutionally protected free exercise of religion, allowing religious organizations to condition opportunities in employment and public accommodation to members or those subscribing to their tenets.

• Applies protections across multiple contexts including employment practices, housing sales and rentals, brokerage services, financing, land use decisions, club membership, and real property appraisals.

• Takes effect July 1, 2020.