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Commission on Human Rights

Services

File a Complaint

Miami-Dade residents who feel they've been discriminated against may file a discrimination complaint.

The CHR Board

Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), the board assists in addressing issues of discrimination countywide.

Intakes

The intake process allows the CHR to determine whether a claim can be accepted for investigation.

Appeals

The CHR conducts hearings as often as necessary to decide pending appeals. Appeals can be heard either by a Hearing Panel or a Hearing Officer.

Investigations

When a complaint is received, an investigation may be initiated. Learn more about the investigative process.

Effective Position Statements

A position statement is a Respondent’s opportunity to tell their side of the story. Learn how to make the most of your statement.

Determinations

At the completion of an investigation, the CHR Director issues a final determination related to probable cause to believe unlawful discrimination occurred. Learn more about how final determinations are made.

Mediation

Mediation is an informal, confidential process in which a neutral third party helps the disputing parties to reach a voluntary, collaborative resolution of a complaint.

Community Outreach & Education

Community outreach events help residents, employers, housing providers, and businesses understand their rights and responsibilities.

About Us

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is a quasi-judicial, as well as advisory, board charged with the enforcement of the Human Rights Ordinance, Chapter 11A of the Miami-Dade County Code or Ordinances as amended. The Human Rights Ordinance makes it unlawful to discriminate against any person in Miami-Dade County in employment; housing; public accommodations; and credit and financing practices on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, source of income, gender identity or expression, and/or status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Additionally, the CHR enforces the Miami-Dade County Family Leave Ordinance and the Domestic Violence Leave Ordinance. The CHR’s mission is to prevent discrimination and promote equal treatment for all Miami-Dade County residents and visitors.

The CHR Board consists of 26 volunteer members who are appointed by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The CHR Board meets on a regular basis, usually monthly, to discuss policy matters and make decisions on the merits of cases on appeal.

Human Rights and Fair Employment Practices (HRFEP) Division staff provide support to the CHR Board so it can effectively carry out its mission. Staff is responsible for the intake, investigation, mediation and resolution of complaints of discrimination. Additionally, the CHR staff develops and delivers community outreach and training programs to educate residents, housing providers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities under federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws.

Our Jurisdiction:

  • The CHR only accepts complaints where the alleged discriminatory act occurred within Miami-Dade County
  • The CHR cannot accept complaints against any agency within the federal government, any agency within the State of Florida government, any agency within Miami-Dade County government, any Indian tribe or any bona fide private membership club
  • If you are an employee of Miami-Dade County who wishes to file a complaint, you may refer to the Fair Employment Practices Section
  • For employment cases, the complaint has to be filed within 180 days of the date of the incident
  • For employment cases, the employer has to employ five or more employees within four weeks during the calendar year
  • For employment cases, the CHR does not accept complaints from individuals who are not employed by the employer, such as independent contractors
  • For housing cases, the complaint has to be filed within 365 days of the date of the incident
  • For housing cases, the housing provider must own and rent more than three units, single family homes, etc. (not rooms within the same single family home)
  • For housing cases, the CHR does not accept complaints against a housing provider for conduct against any person due to a conviction of the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance as defined in Section 893.03, Florida Statutes