Yanes, et. al. v. O C Food & Beverage, LLC (Fifth District Court of Appeal, Florida, 2019)

This case involves a challenge to the Orange County, Florida anti-discrimination ordinance that prohibits employment, housing and public accommodation discrimination. Unlike the State’s anti-discrimination law, it covers the categories of sexual orientation and gender identity. A trial court struck down the ordinance on the grounds that the State law is the only legal remedy for discrimination in Florida. ADL joined a brief filed on behalf of a diverse group of civil rights organizations rejecting this ruling. It asserts that the Florida Constitution and longstanding State Supreme Court precedent empower local government to adopt laws promoting health, safety and welfare of residents, including comprehensive anti-discrimination protections. Furthermore, such local laws are critical to eradicating discrimination in Florida and advancing the social and economic well-being of LGBTQ people.