St. Petersburg Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Sexual harassment in the workplace can affect anyone—whether it’s from a supervisor, co-worker, or even a customer. In St. Petersburg, Florida, employees are empowered by state and federal laws to act against workplace sexual harassment.

Award Winning Sexual Harassment Attorneys In St Petersburg

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment involves any unwelcome advances or behaviors of a sexual nature that create an uncomfortable or hostile work environment. This can include verbal, nonverbal, or physical actions and is not limited to interactions between people of different genders.

Sexual harassment generally falls into three categories:

  • Quid Pro Quo Harassment: This occurs when a job benefit is conditioned on submitting to sexual advances or when refusing those advances leads to negative employment consequences.
  • Gender Stereotyping Harassment: This happens when an individual is harassed for not conforming to traditional gender roles or expectations.
  • Hostile Work Environment Harassment: Unwelcome sexual behavior that creates an intimidating or hostile work atmosphere. While a pattern of repeated behavior is usually required to establish this, a single severe incident may also qualify.

Some examples of sexual harassment include:

  • Verbal: Sexual comments, jokes, requests for favors, or inappropriate discussions about someone’s appearance or personal life.
  • Nonverbal: Gestures, leering, displaying sexually explicit images, or sending inappropriate texts or emails.
  • Physical: Unwelcome touching, grabbing, kissing, or other physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Misconceptions about sexual harassment often prevent victims from coming forward. It’s important to remember that harassment can occur between individuals of any gender and in various roles—whether the harasser is a supervisor, coworker, or client. If you believe you’ve been subjected to unlawful sexual harassment, contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A. for a free consultation at (727) 509-6555 or by email at coordinator@caklegal.com.

St. Petersburg Sexual Harassment Attorneys
St. Petersburg Sexual Harassment Attorneys

Lawful vs. Unlawful Harassment

Not all negative behavior in the workplace constitutes unlawful harassment. Lawful harassment might include annoying or uncomfortable behaviors not linked to a protected characteristic under discrimination laws. For example, being subject to excessive oversight or receiving unkind remarks about job performance that apply equally to all employees may not be considered unlawful.

Unlawful harassment occurs when the behavior explicitly targets someone based on their protected status, such as their sex, race, or religion. When this harassment creates a hostile or offensive work environment or interferes with an individual’s ability to perform their job, it may be illegal under state and federal laws.

Sexual harassment is almost always considered unlawful because it directly relates to an individual’s protected status. If you’re facing illegal sexual harassment, our Saint Petersburg sexual harassment lawyers at Cantrell Schuette, P.A. can help you take the following steps. For a consultation with Cantrell Schuette, P.A., call us at (727) 509-6555 or coordinator@caklegal.com.

What Laws Apply to Sexual Harassment in Saint Petersburg?

Several laws protect employees from sexual harassment in Saint Petersburg, including:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

This federal law prohibits sexual harassment in workplaces with 15 or more employees. It covers both quid pro quo harassment (where job benefits are conditioned on sexual favors) and hostile work environment harassment (where behavior creates an offensive work atmosphere). Employers are obligated to take preventive steps against harassment and respond to complaints. Employees can file claims through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA)

The Florida Civil Rights Act mirrors many of the protections provided by Title VII but may extend to additional areas, such as public accommodations. It also prohibits employment discrimination based on sex and mandates that employers take steps to prevent sexual harassment. Under the FCRA, employees have a year to file claims after experiencing harassment.

Pinellas County Human Rights Ordinance

Although St. Petersburg is in Pinellas County, the Pinellas County Human Rights Ordinance offers additional protections against discrimination, including sexual harassment, based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, disability, age, and other protected categories. This ordinance covers employers with five or more employees working at least 30 hours per week or 15 employees who have worked 13 or more weeks.

Top-Rated Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Saint Petersburg

Cantrell Schuette, P.A. is a distinguished law firm committed to representing individuals across all employment levels, from entry-level employees to senior management, who have faced sexual harassment in the workplace. Our firm offers highly experienced legal guidance, handling sexual harassment claims under federal, state, and local laws. If you’ve been the victim of harassment, we’re here to offer support and legal representation.

Award-Winning Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Saint Petersburg

At Cantrell Schuette, P.A., we understand the emotional and professional toll that sexual harassment can take. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of those facing harassment in the workplace. We have extensive experience handling sexual harassment claims under both federal and state laws and are committed to helping victims obtain justice.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Florida Civil Rights Act protect employees from sexual harassment and prohibit retaliation against individuals who report it. If you’re experiencing harassment or working in a hostile environment, contact our legal team for a confidential consultation at (727) 509-6555 or email coordinator@caklegal.com.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What behaviors constitute sexual harassment in Saint Petersburg?

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, inappropriate comments, physical contact, or behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. It can be verbal, nonverbal, or physical.

Yes. Sexual harassment can be perpetrated by anyone in the workplace, including supervisors, coworkers, clients, or customers. Employers are responsible for addressing harassment, regardless of who commits it.

Yes. If the harassment was so severe that you felt forced to resign, you may have a constructive discharge claim, meaning that your resignation resulted from intolerable working conditions.

Before filing a lawsuit, you must file a “Charge of Discrimination” with the EEOC. You have 180 or 300 days to file, depending on the situation. Once the EEOC investigates, it may issue a right-to-sue letter, allowing you to pursue legal action.

Victims of sexual harassment may be eligible to recover compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages for egregious behavior, and back pay if wrongful termination occurred. Consulting an attorney will help you understand the full scope of your legal options.

For further assistance or to schedule a consultation, contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A. at (727) 509-6555 or email coordinator@caklegal.com.

For further assistance or to schedule a consultation, contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A. at (727) 509-6555 or email coordinator@caklegal.com.

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