Purpose

To encourage equality of treatment and prevent discrimination against any racial, religious, ethnic, or other minority group or its members.

The Human Rights Board is authorized to exercise general, advisory and quasi-judicial powers.  The quasi-judicial powers enable the Board to receive, initiate and investigate complaints alleging any discriminatory practice; seek to conciliate; hold hearings in order to adjudicate the facts; issue binding orders; act upon charges and complaints alleging violations of the Human Rights Act; grant relief from discriminatory practices and enforce all final orders by application to the county or circuit court.

Created By

Broward County Ordinance #78-29, enacted June 21, 1978, titled the Broward County Human Rights Ordinance.

The Broward County Human Rights Act, Chapter 83-380, Laws of Florida, enacted June 9, 1983, was approved by a majority of the voters at the general election held November 6, 1984; providing for a Human Rights Board with the same criteria for membership as provided in the Human Rights Ordinance, with the addition of subpoena power.  The Human Rights Act was further derived from Chapter 91-359 and Chapter 93-386, Laws of Florida.

Amended by Ordinance #95-9, enacted February 14, 1995; prescribing duties of the board.

Amended by Ordinance #95-26, enacted June 13, 1995, relating to the composition of the board.

Amended by Ordinance #2001-20, enacted June 12, 2001, reducing the membership from twenty-one to eighteen; changing the composition, terms and authority; categorizing the board’s power into general, quasi-judicial, and advisory.

Amended by Ordinance 2008-06, enacted February 12, 2008, amending the Broward County Human Rights Act, as well as amending the Human Rights Board; requiring the number of appointed members that constitute a quorum, issues concerning absences, and other general information governing Broward County Boards, unless otherwise indicated, shall conform to Section 1-233 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances.

Amended by Ordinance #2009-53, enacted August 11, 2009, redirecting the focus of the quasi-judicial powers of the Human Rights Board towards persons whose rights are protected only by the Human Rights Act; providing that individuals who have dual-filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the County’s Civil Rights Division shall be advised of alternate legal remedies when the Division has determined there is no reasonable cause to believe that a discriminatory act has occurred; providing that individuals who have dual-filed charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Division shall be advised of alternate legal remedies, whether or not the Division has determined there is reasonable cause to believe that a discriminatory act has occurred; and clarifying certain language where necessary within the Human Rights Act. 

Amended by Ordinance #2010-38, enacted September 14, 2010, providing that individuals who have dual-filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Broward County Civil Rights Division, and a determination that there was no reasonable cause to believe that a discriminatory act occurred, shall be advised of alternate legal remedies, and the option to request a redetermination review by a single Human Rights Board member.

Amended by Ordinance #2011-14, enacted August 16, 2011, reorganizing the Human Rights Act to reflect changes in the organization structure and responsibilities of the Civil Rights Division, and the County's contract with a federal civil rights agency; and to streamline the process to ensure a high level of service to the residents of Broward County.

Membership

Eighteen (18) members.

Each Broward County Commissioner shall appoint two (2) members, one (1) which must meet the following categorical requirements:

1) An attorney who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar;

2) A member of the business community;

3) A representative of the real estate industry;

4) A member of a non-profit civil rights organization;

5) A member who is sixty (60) years of age or older;

6) A small business owner;

7) A representative of municipal government;

8) A representative of an employee organization; and

9) A representative of the banking industry.

The County Commission shall consider and should balance its appointments so the Human Rights Board is representative of the county's population and reflective of the racial, ethnic, and religious make-up of Broward County, in addition to geographic and economic considerations.

DUAL OFFICEHOLDING: 
The Florida Constitution prohibits a person from simultaneously holding more than one office under the government of the state, counties, and municipalities.  The prohibition applies to both elected and appointed offices.  It is not necessary that the two offices be within the same governmental unit.

Terms

Section 1-233 of Chapter 1, Article XII, Broward County Code of Ordinances, as may be amended from time to time.

Quorum

A majority of the total appointed board members.

Attorney

Adam Katzman, Assistant County Attorney
954-357-7600

Coordinator

Maxine Martin
Human Rights Section
954-357-7800
maxmartin@broward.org

​Meetings

Quarterly, second Monday at 4 PM
January, April, July, October
Broward County Governmental Center, Room 301

Any changes in the noticed meetings will be posted in compliance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

Website

http://www.broward.org/ProfessionalStandards/Pages/HumanRightsBoard.aspx

Financial Disclosure required. 

​