Office of Human Rights

April is National Fair Housing Month: Advancing Equity in 2025

Access to safe, affordable housing is a cornerstone of opportunity, stability, and well-being. April is Fair Housing Month, a time to recognize the ongoing fight against housing discrimination and reaffirm our commitment to equal housing opportunities for all.

Why Fair Housing Still Matters in 2025

More than 50 years after the Fair Housing Act was signed into law in 1968, housing inequality remains a pressing issue. In 2025, rising housing costs, gentrification, and systemic barriers continue to disproportionately impact marginalized communities. From discriminatory lending practices to racial disparities in homeownership, the fight for fair housing is far from over.

This year, challenges such as the affordable housing crisis, climate-driven displacement, and digital redlining are making it harder for many individuals and families to secure stable housing. At the same time, new policies, advocacy efforts, and community-driven solutions are shaping a more equitable future.

Your Rights Under the Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status. This means:

• Landlords and lenders cannot deny housing, increase costs, or impose unfair conditions based on these protected categories.
• People with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations in housing.
• Fair housing laws apply to renting, buying, mortgage lending, and even advertising.

What You Can Do to Support Fair Housing

• Know Your Rights – Educate yourself and others on fair housing protections and how to report violations.
• Advocate for Affordable Housing – Support policies and initiatives that increase access to fair and affordable housing in your community.
• Challenge Discrimination – Speak up when you see or experience housing discrimination and report it to the proper authorities.
• Support Local Efforts – Engage with organizations working on fair housing, tenant rights, and homeownership equity.

Building a More Inclusive Future

Fair Housing Month is not just about awareness – it’s about action. In 2025, as housing landscapes shift due to economic trends, technological advancements, and policy changes, it’s critical to ensure that fairness, equity, and inclusion remain at the center of housing opportunities.

Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, policymaker, or advocate, we all play a role in advancing fair housing. Together, we can create stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone has a place to call home.

Human Rights Board

The Pinellas County Office of Human Rights is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the affirmative action plan, which includes preparing reports, making recommendations and conducting investigations. The Office of Human Rights is under the direction of the Human Rights Board and is led by Director Jeffrey Lorick, who is appointed by and answerable directly to the Board.

County Council for Persons with Disabilities

This 13-member Council for Persons with Disabilities provides policy advice and information to the BCC through the Office of Human Rights on matters of importance to persons with disabilities and as consultants on accessibility issues for county facilities, parks and infrastructure.

Learn more about membership requirement, terms, and powers and responsibilities.

All citizens appointed by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners or an individual commissioner to any county board, committee, council, or authority must comply with these standards of conduct.

Request for Florida State Court System Accommodations

Submit completed forms below at least seven (7) days before your scheduled court appearance or other court activity.

Accommodation Form – Request for reasonable accommodations if you are a defendant, litigant/party, witness, juror, victim or attorney.

Interpreter Request Form – Request for interpreter if you are a defendant, litigant/party, witness, juror, victim or attorney.

Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code of Ordinances

The Pinellas County Office of Human Rights administers Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code of Ordinances, which prohibits discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or disability. This law, which applies to all employers located in Pinellas County with five or more employees, labor organizations, and public and private employment agencies, covers all conditions and terms of employment including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, pay, tenure, discipline, discharge and privileges.

EEO Plan Utilization Report Approval Letter

Letter from U.S. Department of Justice regarding Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) Utilization Report for Pinellas County. https://pinellas.gov/equal-employment-opportunity-plans-utilization-report-approval-letter/

EEO Plan Utilization Report

https://pinellas.gov/equal-employment-opportunity-plans-utilization-report/

County Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan

The purpose of the Pinellas County Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan is to ensure meaningful access to information, programs, services, and activities for LEP persons. https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-countys-limited-english-proficiency-lep-plan/