Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Attorney’s Office to file a civil action based on the Broward County Human Rights Section’s determination that reasonable cause exists to believe the complainant has been subjected to housing discrimination in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, and the Broward County Human Rights Act.
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Why Action is Necessary
Pursuant to Section 16½-53(b) of the Broward County Code of Ordinances (“Code”), Board authorization is required for the County Attorney’s Office to file a civil action alleging housing discrimination.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the County Attorney’s Office to file a civil action alleging housing discrimination.
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Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
On or about June 3, 2022, Linda Levy filed a complaint with the Broward County Human Rights Section (the “Section”) alleging housing discrimination against Galt Ocean Terrace Condominium Association, Inc., Brock Property Management, Inc., Jane Brock, and Claudio Loffreda-Mancinelli (collectively, the “Respondents”). In her complaint, Ms. Levy alleges that the Respondents denied her reasonable accommodation request to provide her with a designated parking spot closer to her condominium unit.
After receiving the complaint, the Section investigated Ms. Levy’s allegations and found reasonable cause to believe that the Respondents engaged in discriminatory housing practices against Ms. Levy. Settlement efforts were unsuccessful, so a formal charge of discrimination was filed with the Broward County Human Rights Board. On May 20, 2025, the Respondents exercised their rights to have this matter resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction instead of by the Human Rights Board.
Pursuant to the County’s agreement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under which the County receives funding, the County is required to prosecute claims of housing discrimination. Section 16½-53(b) of the Code requires that the County Attorney’s Office obtain authorization from the Board to file a civil action to prosecute these matters. This motion authorizes the County Attorney’s Office to file such an action.
The Statement of Charge filed with the Human Rights Board is attached as Exhibit 1.
Source of Additional Information
Adam Katzman, Deputy County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Legal services will be provided by the County Attorney’s Office. Litigation costs are estimated to be $5,000 - $25,000. These costs will be paid by the County, and some costs and attorneys’ fees may be recoverable from the Respondents depending on the outcome of the litigation.