Florida Training Requirements
Florida does not require sexual harassment training by law for private employers. However, training is strongly recommended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to foster a respectful workplace and minimize the risk of legal liability.
Supervisors working in Florida’s executive branch of government are required to complete training on affirmative action and equal opportunity, which includes content on sexual harassment. For all other employers, it is considered a best practice to provide training within 1 year of hire, and to repeat it annually to reinforce knowledge and maintain a safe environment.
The applicable legal framework comes from the Florida Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex and includes protections against workplace harassment.
Here’s a scannable view for you:
| Requirement Area |
What You Need to Know |
| Who Must Comply |
All Florida employers |
| Who Must Be Trained |
All employees and supervisors (recommended) |
| When to Train |
Within 1 year of hire (recommended) |
| Training Duration |
1 hour (recommended) |
| Training Frequency |
Every year (recommended refresher) |
| Training Format |
Interactive preferred; online or in person |
| Recordkeeping |
Not required by law, but maintaining proof of training is a best practice |
Who must be trained in Florida, and when should the training happen?
Florida does not mandate sexual harassment training for private-sector employers, but the EEOC strongly recommends that all employees—including supervisors and temporary workers—receive training. As a best practice, employers should provide training within the first year of employment.
Public sector supervisors, specifically in Florida’s executive branch, are required to undergo anti-harassment and equal opportunity training that includes sexual harassment content.
How often must training be conducted, and how long should it be?
Though not required by law, employers are encouraged to conduct training:
Frequent refreshers help protect the organization and foster a consistent workplace culture of respect and accountability.
What topics must be included in Florida sexual harassment training?
Effective training in Florida should include:
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The definition of sexual harassment, including hostile work environment and quid pro quo
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Examples of inappropriate behavior (verbal, physical, and visual)
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Steps for reporting harassment within the organization
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Protection against retaliation for those who report misconduct
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Guidance on how to respond as a supervisor or bystander
Though the state does not prescribe specific training modules, aligning your content with EEOC guidance is the best path to legal safety.
Are there any training requirements for new hires or supervisors?
While private-sector employers are not legally required to provide training, it’s strongly recommended that:
For government supervisors in Florida’s executive branch, sexual harassment training is mandatory under affirmative action training standards.
What are the recordkeeping requirements for Florida employers?
There are no legal recordkeeping requirements for sexual harassment training in Florida. However, employers are encouraged to maintain:
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Dates of training sessions
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Employee participation logs
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Training content outlines or modules used
Keeping accurate records demonstrates your company’s good-faith compliance and protects against potential legal claims.
What law governs sexual harassment training in Florida?
Sexual harassment protections in Florida are defined under the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). The law prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of sex and supports employees who report misconduct.
Although the FCRA does not mandate harassment training, it provides the legal foundation for harassment claims, making proactive education a smart business strategy.
How can employees file a harassment complaint in Florida?
Employees should first attempt to report harassment through their employer’s internal HR process. If no action is taken, they can file a complaint with:
Complaints should be supported with documented evidence, such as emails, messages, or witness statements.
Where do I find a sexual harassment training program that complies with my workplace requirements?
Below are expert-designed, Florida-aligned training courses developed in accordance with EEOC best practices. Before assigning it to your team, be sure to:
The course is fully editable to help you meet both legal expectations and internal goals.
