CHAPTER 57 REVIEW BOARD

Orlando City Code ch. 57, art. I

in effect

Orlando City Code § 57.01 Definitions.

Sec. 57.01. - Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: (1) "Age." The prohibition against age discrimination shall be limited to individuals who are at least forty (40) years of age. (2) The terms "because of sex" or "on the basis of sex" include, but are not limited to, because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and women affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions shall be treated the same for all employment-related purposes, including receipt of benefits under fringe benefit programs, as other persons not so affected but similar in their ability or inability to work. (3) The term "Board," unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context, means the Chapter 57 Review Board created by this Chapter. (4) "Employee" means any individual employed by the employer except that neither the term "employee" nor this title includes any individual employed by his or her own parents, spouse or child, nor in the domestic service of any person. (5) "Employment agency" means any person regularly undertaking, with or without compensation, to procure employees for an employer or to procure for employees opportunities to work. (6) "Employer" means any person who has more than five (5) full-time employees working more than thirty (30) hours per week, or who has more than ten (10) employees irrespective of the number of hours per week, in each of thirteen (13) or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year, and any agent of such a person. (7) The term "family" includes the grandparents, parents, children, brothers, and sisters, whether by marriage or blood, and their spouses and children of either the property owner or spouse of the property owner. (8) "Gender Identity" includes actual or perceived sex, and shall also include a person's gender identity, self-image, appearance, expression or behavior, whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, expression or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth. (9) "Handicapped persons" or "persons with a disability" mean persons who: a. Have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such persons' major life activities; b. Have a record of such impairment; or c. Are regarded as having such an impairment. A handicapped person does not include any individual who is an alcoholic or drug abuser whose current use of alcohol or drugs prevents such individual from performing the duties of employment, or whose employment, by reason of such current alcohol or drug abuse, would constitute a direct threat to property or the safety of others. (10) "Human Relations Official" means the Human Relations Official of the Human Relations Office. (11) "Labor organization" means any organization which exists and is constituted for the purpose, in whole or in part, of collective bargaining or of dealing with employers concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment, or of other mutual aid or protection in connection with employment. (12) The term "person" includes one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, or receivers. (13) The term "public accommodation, resort or amusement" shall be as defined in Section 57.08. (14) The term "religion" includes all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief, unless an employer demonstrates that it is unable to reasonably accommodate to an employee's or prospective employee's religious observance or practice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's business. (15) The term "sexual orientation" means the condition of being heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. This definition is not intended to permit any practice prohibited by federal, state or local law and it is not intended to require or create any special preferences in employment or contracting. Moreover, none of the subcategories within the definition of "sexual orientation" shall be deemed as a minority entitled to any rights or privileges as set forth in Article II or III of this Chapter regarding MBE/WBE. (16) The term "unlawful discriminatory practice" includes only those practices specified in Section(s) 57.08 through 57.12 and 57.14. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 11-19-1973, § 1; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037; Ord. of 8-28-1995, Doc. #28748; Ord. of 12-2-2002, § 1, Doc. #021202901; Ord. No. 2014-34, § 1, 8-11-2014, Doc. #1408111202)

Orlando City Code § 57.02 Chapter 57 Review Board Created; Composition; Appointment, Term, Compensation of Members; Filling of Vacancies.

Sec. 57.02. - Chapter 57 Review Board Created; Composition; Appointment, Term, Compensation of Members; Filling of Vacancies. There hereby is created a Chapter 57 Review Board. It shall consist of seven (7) members fairly reflective of the Orlando community to be appointed by the Mayor, and approved by City Council. Members shall serve without compensation. The Human Relations Official shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Board. All appointments to the Board shall be for a term of two (2) years. In the event of the death or resignation of any member, his successor shall be appointed to serve for the unexpired period of the term for which such member has been appointed. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037; Ord. of 9-18-1989, Doc. #23312; Ord. of 8-28-1995, Doc. #28748; Ord. of 5-7-2007, § 1, Doc. #0705071002)

Orlando City Code § 57.03 Functions of Board.

Sec. 57.03. - Functions of Board. The functions of the Board shall be: (1) To foster mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious, age, disability and ethnic groups in the City of Orlando; (2) To encourage equality of treatment for, and prevent discrimination against, any racial, religious, age, disability or ethnic group or its members; (3) To cooperate with governmental and nongovernmental agencies and organizations having like or kindred functions; (4) To make such investigations and studies in the field of human relations as in the judgment of the Board will aid in effectuating its general purposes; (5) To assist various groups and agencies of the community to cooperate in educational campaigns devoted to the elimination of group prejudices, racial tension, intolerance or discrimination; (6) To aid in permitting the City of Orlando to benefit from the fullest realization of its human resources; and (7) To accept grants and donations on behalf of the City from foundations and others for the purpose of carrying out the above listed functions, subject to the approval of the Mayor and City Council. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037; Ord. of 8-28-1995, Doc. #28748; Ord. of 5-7-2007, § 2, Doc. #0705071002; Ord. No. 2025-47, § 3, 4-20-2026, Doc. #26042012a)

Orlando City Code § 57.04 Powers and Duties of Board.

Sec. 57.04. - Powers and Duties of Board. The powers and duties of the Board shall be: (1) To receive, to review and copy documents deemed necessary by the Board, cause investigations of and pass upon complaints and otherwise cause investigations of: (a) Racial, religious and ethnic group tension, prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and disorder occasioned thereby; (b) Discrimination against any person, group of persons, organization or corporation, in violation of the provisions of this Chapter. (2) To propose reasonable rules and regulations as are necessary to effectuate the policies of this Chapter. Such rules and regulations shall become effective upon approval by City Council. (3) To hold hearings and mediation conferences, compel the attendance of witnesses, compel the production of documents for investigative purposes and for introduction at hearings, administer oaths and take the testimony of any person under oath. (4) To perform such other duties as may be necessary to accomplish the function of the Board as defined in Section 57.03 of this Chapter. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 11-25-1974, § 1; Ord. of 10-20-1980, § 1; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037; Ord. of 8-28-1995, Doc. #28748)

Orlando City Code § 57.05 Filing of Complaints.

Sec. 57.05. - Filing of Complaints. Any person alleging subjection to an unlawful discriminatory practice may file with the Board or Human Relations Official a complaint in writing, sworn to or affirmed, which shall state the name and address of the complainant and the person or persons against whom complaint is made. It also shall state the alleged facts surrounding the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice and such other information as the Board may require. A complaint shall be filed within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice in order to be processed under this Chapter. The Human Relations Official, on the Official's own initiative, may also file such a complaint and may also investigate housing practices to determine whether a complaint should be brought under this Chapter. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 11-25-1974, § 2; Ord. of 8-29-1977, § 1; Ord. of 10-20-1980, § 2; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037; Ord. of 8-28-1995, Doc. #28748; Ord. No. 2014-34, § 2, 8-11-2014, Doc. #1408111202)

Orlando City Code § 57.06 Processing Complaints.

Sec. 57.06. - Processing Complaints. (1) Upon the filing of a complaint as set forth in Section 57.05, the Human Relations Official shall offer in writing the parties the opportunity to voluntarily mediate the complaint. If both parties agree, mediation shall be scheduled and held within thirty (30) days. Mediations may be conducted by one or more members of the Chapter 57 Review Board or by a Human Relations staff member who will not be assigned to the investigation in the event mediation fails. (2) Upon the filing of a complaint as set forth in Section 57.05, the Human Relations Official, within one hundred fifty (150) days, shall make such investigation as the Human Relations Official deems appropriate to ascertain facts and issues. If, within the one hundred fifty (150) days, the complaint is not resolved and if the Human Relations Official shall determine that there are reasonable grounds to believe an unlawful discriminatory practice has occurred and is susceptible of conciliation, then the Human Relations Official shall attempt to conciliate the matter by methods of initial conference and persuasion with all interested parties and such representatives as the parties may choose to assist them. Conciliation conferences shall be informal, and all reasonable efforts shall be made by the parties thereto to reach a settlement. Where the Human Relations Official deems it necessary for the effective implementation of this Chapter, the Human Relations Official may designate or appoint agents or investigators to investigate or otherwise process alleged violations of the Chapter and to assist in attempted conciliation of apparent violations. (3) The terms of conciliation agreed to by the parties may be reduced to writing and incorporated into a consent agreement to be signed by the parties, which agreement is for conciliation purposes only and does not constitute an admission by any party that the law has been violated. Agreements shall be signed by the Human Relations Official or on behalf of the Board by the Chairman or the Acting Chairman. (4) If the Human Relations Official determines that the complaint lacks reasonable grounds upon which to base a violation of this Chapter, the Human Relations Official shall report his findings and determination to the Board. The Board in its discretion may 1) accept the findings and determination and order that the matter be closed, 2) order such further investigation as may be deemed necessary, or 3) order that a public hearing of the complaint as outlined in subsection 6(b) below be conducted by the Board. If further investigation is ordered the results thereof shall be presented to the Board within thirty (30) days and shall be acted upon by the Board within twenty (20) days. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a complainant from requesting direct action or an order of investigation from the Board should the Human Relations Official fail to act on the filed complaint as required by this section. (5) If the Human Relations Official, with respect to a matter which involves an alleged contravention of this Chapter, fails to conciliate a complaint, after the parties, in good faith, have attempted such conciliation, as provided in Subsection (1) of this section, the Human Relations Official may present the complaint to the Board, which shall then have thirty (30) days within which to attempt to conciliate the matter by methods of initial conference and persuasion with all interested parties and such representatives as the parties may choose to assist them. Conciliation conferences shall be informal, and all reasonable efforts shall be made by the parties thereto to reach a settlement amenable to all concerned. The Human Relations Official shall assist the Board in these conciliation attempts. The terms of conciliation agreed to by the parties may be reduced to writing and incorporated into a consent agreement as provided in Subsection (2). (6) If the Board, with respect to a matter which involves an alleged contravention of this Chapter: (a) Fails to conciliate a complaint, after the parties, in good faith, have attempted such conciliation, or (b) Determines that a complaint is not susceptible of conciliation, the Board thereafter shall schedule a public hearing. The Board shall, within ten (10) days after failing to conciliate a complaint or determining that a complaint is not susceptible of conciliation, serve upon all interested parties a statement of charges, and a notice of the time and place of the hearing. The respondent or respondent's authorized counsel may file such statements with the Board prior to the hearing date as that party deems necessary in support of respondent's position. The hearing shall be open to the public. The hearing shall be held not less than fifteen (15) days or more than forty-five (45) days after service of the statement of charges and notice to the respondent signed by two (2) members of the Board. The interested parties may present testimony and evidence and shall have the right to cross-examine witnesses. All testimony and evidence shall be given under oath or by affirmation. The Board shall not be bound by strict rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity. The Board shall keep a full record of the hearing, which records shall be public and open to inspection by any person, and upon request by any principal party to the proceedings, the Board shall furnish such party a copy of the hearing record, at such cost as is necessary for the preparation of the copy. (7) The Board shall make such findings of fact as are supported by the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing. Should the Board determine that an unlawful discriminatory practice has occurred or is occurring, the Board shall issue such remedial orders as are necessary to correct the unlawful discriminatory practice and to require cessation of such practice. (8) Should the discriminatory practice as determined by the Board fail to be resolved by remedial order, the Board shall refer the matter to the City Prosecutor for investigation and either prosecution of the offending party in a court of competent jurisdiction alleging such discriminatory acts as may constitute a violation of Sections 57.08 through 57.14 of this Chapter with penalties as set forth in Chapter 1.08 of the City Code, or in addition or in the alternative to apply to the Circuit Court for an order enjoining such discriminatory act or practice or requiring the offending party to refrain from such prospective discriminatory acts and for such other remedies as may be deemed necessary and proper. (9) When any act is required or allowed to be done at or within a specified time by this section, for cause shown the Board at any time in its discretion may order the period enlarged or may permit the act to be done when failure to act was the result of excusable neglect. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 11-19-1973, § 2; Ord. of 11-25-1974, § 3; Ord. of 8-29-1977, §§ 2, 3; Ord. of 6-30-1980, § 1; Ord. of 10-20-1980, § 3; Ord. of 8-17-1981, §§ 1—3; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037; Ord. of 8-28-1995, Doc. #28748; Ord. of 5-7-2007, § 3, Doc. #0705071002; Ord. No. 2014-34, § 3, 8-11-2014, Doc. #1408111202)

Orlando City Code § 57.07 Appeals from Decisions of Chapter 57 Review Board or Human Relations Official.

Sec. 57.07. - Appeals from Decisions of Chapter 57 Review Board or Human Relations Official. Appeal from any final action taken, after hearing, by the Chapter 57 Review Board or Human Relations official shall be by writ of certiorari to Circuit Court, Ninth Judicial Circuit. (Ord. of 8-28-1995, Doc. #28748; Ord. of 5-7-2007, § 4, Doc. #0705071002)

Orlando City Code § 57.08 Unlawful Discriminatory Practices in Public Accommodations.

Sec. 57.08. - Unlawful Discriminatory Practices in Public Accommodations. (1) Prohibition. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice to discriminate or separate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or handicap, any place of public accommodation in the City. (2) Establishments Covered. A place of public accommodation within the meaning of this Section shall include, but not be limited to, the following establishments which serve the public: a. Any inn, hotel, motel or other establishment which provides lodging to transient guests, other than an establishment located within a building which contains not more than two units for rent or hire and which is actually occupied by the owner of such establishment as the owner's residence. b. Any restaurant, cafeteria, lunchroom, lunch counter, soda fountain or other facility principally engaged in selling food for consumption on the premises, including but not limited to, any such facility located on the premises of any retail establishment, or any gasoline station. c. Any bar, lounge, nightclub or other facility principally engaged in selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, or any facility principally engaged in selling both food and alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. d. Any motion picture house, theater, concert hall, sports arena, stadium, convention hall or other place of exhibition or entertainment. e. Any library or educational facility supported in part or whole by public funds, public conveyance (to include taxis, limousines, and buses), barber and beauty shop, hospital, laundry, swimming pool, nursery, kindergarten or day care center. f. Any establishment which is physically located within the premises of any establishment otherwise covered by this Section. g. Any establishment within the premises of which is physically located any covered establishment, and which holds itself out as serving patrons of the covered establishment. (3) Limitations and Exemptions. a. The provision of this Section shall not apply to a private club or other establishment not in fact open to the public, except to the extent that the facilities of such establishment are made available to the customers or patrons of such an establishment within the scope of subsection (2) above. b. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a religious organization, association or society, or any non-profit institution or organization, operating, supervised or controlled by or in conjunction with a religious organization, association or society, from limiting facilities and accommodations which it owns or operates for other than a commercial purpose to persons of the same religion, or from giving preference to such persons. c. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the limiting of the use of kindergartens, nurseries, day care centers, theaters and motion picture houses to persons of a particular age group. (Ord. of 8-28-1995, Doc. #28748; Ord. of 12-2-2002, § 2, Doc. #021202901; Ord. No. 2014-34, § 4, 8-11-2014, Doc. #1408111202)

Orlando City Code § 57.09 Unlawful Discriminatory Practices by Financial Institutions.

Sec. 57.09. - Unlawful Discriminatory Practices by Financial Institutions. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person, bank, trust company, private banker, savings bank, industrial bank, savings and loan association, credit union, investment company, mortgage company, insurance company or other financial institution or lender, doing business in the City and if incorporated, regardless of whether incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida, the United States or any other jurisdiction, to whom application is made for financial assistance for the purchase, acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, repair or maintenance of any housing accommodation, or any officer, agent, or employee thereof: (1) To discriminate against any such applicant or applicants because of the race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status, of such applicant or applicants or of any member, stockholder, director, officer, or employee of such applicant or applicants, or of the prospective occupants or tenants of such housing accommodation, in the granting, withholding, extending or renewing, or in the fixing of the rates, terms or conditions of any such financial assistance. (2) To use any form of application for such financial assistance or to make any record or inquiry in connection with applications for such financial assistance which expresses, directly or indirectly, any limitation, specification or discrimination as to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 6-30-1980, § 4; Ord. of 10-20-1980, § 5; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037; Ord. of 12-2-2002, § 3, Doc. #021202901; Ord. No. 2014-34, § 5, 8-11-2014, Doc. #1408111202)

Orlando City Code § 57.10 Aiding and Abetting in Discriminatory Practices.

Sec. 57.10. - Aiding and Abetting in Discriminatory Practices. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person to aid, abet, incite, compel or coerce the doing of any of the acts forbidden under this Chapter, or to attempt to do so. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037)

Orlando City Code § 57.11 Retaliation.

Sec. 57.11. - Retaliation. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person engaged in any activity to which this Chapter applies to retaliate or discriminate against any person because he has opposed any practices forbidden under this Chapter or because he has filed a complaint, testified or assisted in any proceeding under this Chapter. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037)

Orlando City Code § 57.12 Violation of Conciliation Agreement.

Sec. 57.12. - Violation of Conciliation Agreement. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any party to a conciliation agreement made pursuant to this Chapter to violate the terms of such agreement. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037)

Orlando City Code § 57.13 Religious Exception.

Sec. 57.13. - Religious Exception. Nothing contained in this Chapter shall be construed to bar any religious or denominational institution or organization, or any organization operated for charitable or educational purposes, which is operated, supervised or controlled by or in connection with a religious organization, from limiting employment or sales or rental of housing accommodations or admission to or giving preference to persons of the same religion or denomination or from making such selection as is calculated by such organization to promote the religious principles for which it is established or maintained, as it may be permitted by State and Federal law, rules and regulations. (Ord. of 4-23-1973, § 1; Ord. of 11-19-1973, § 3; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037)

Orlando City Code § 57.14 Unlawful Discriminatory Practices in Employment.

Sec. 57.14. - Unlawful Discriminatory Practices in Employment. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice: (1) For an employer, because of the race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap or marital status of any individual, to refuse to hire or employ or to bar or to discharge from employment such individual or to discriminate against such individual in compensation or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment. The addition of "sexual orientation" shall not be deemed to require the extension of any employee benefits to persons who are not married as that term is defined by Florida law. (2) For an employment agency to discriminate against any individual because of an individual's race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap or marital status in receiving, classifying, disposing or otherwise acting upon applications for its services or in referring an applicant or applicants to an employer or employers. (3) For a labor organization, because of the race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap or marital status of any individual, to exclude or to expel from its membership such individual or to discriminate in any way against any of its members or against any employer or any individual employed by any employer. (4) For any employer or employment agency to print or circulate or cause to be printed or circulated any statement, advertisement or publication, or to use any form of application for employment or to make any inquiry in connection with perspective employment, which expresses, directly or indirectly, any limitation, specifications or discrimination as to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap or marital status or any intent to make any such limitation, specification or discrimination, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification. But nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit discrimination where said discrimination is based on a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of a particular business or enterprise; nor shall anything in this section be construed to affect the retirement policy or system of any employer where such policy or system is not merely a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this section; nor shall anything in this section be deemed to preclude the varying of insurance coverages according to an employee's age. The bona fide occupational exemption shall be interpreted narrowly. (Ord. of 11-19-1973, § 4; Ord. of 8-29-1977, § 4; Ord. of 10-20-1980, § 6; Ord. of 8-29-1983, Doc. #18037; Ord. of 9-11-1989, Doc. #23287; Ord. of 8-28-1995, Doc. #28748; Ord. of 12-2-2002, § 4, Doc. #021202901; Ord. No. 2014-36, § 6, 8-11-2014, Doc. #1408111202)

Orlando City Code § 57.14.5 Remedies.

Sec. 57.14.5. - Remedies. For all charges of discrimination for which Chapter 57 of the Code of the City of Orlando is the only applicable law (including charges brought under Article V) and no state (under Ch. 760) or federal remedies (under Title VII, VIII, ADEA, ADA) are available, if a cause finding is made by the Human Relations staff and the case has not been successfully mediated or conciliated, either party may ask for the Chapter 57 Review Board to review the case as otherwise provided in Chapter 57. If either party is unsatisfied with the Chapter 57 Review Board determination, they may access the quasi-judicial hearing process as provided in Article XXXII of Chapter 2 of the City Code. The maximum penalty per violation shall be $500 and, under no circumstance shall any imprisonment or other criminal penalties be imposed for a violation of Chapter 57. The Human Relations staff, Board, quasi-judicial hearing officer and City Council shall interpret and determine the cases which come before them consistently with Title VII and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and other civil rights laws, as amended; technical guidance issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and case law interpreting the same. (Ord. of 12-2-2002, § 5, Doc. #021202901)

Source: City of Orlando, Florida, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/fl/orlando/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIICICO_CH57DI_ARTICH57REBOFetched: 11/1/2026