Key West Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity Act

Equal Opportunity

The City of Key West promotes equal opportunity in housing and as an employer.  If you are an employee of the City of Key West and feel your rights have been violated, you may submit a complaint to Bridget Flores, Human Resources Director, at 1300 White Street, Key West, Florida, 33040, or call 305-809-3716.

The City of Key West 2023 Work Force Housing Income Rent and Sales Limits

Amended Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act) prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings and other housing-related transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability).  Click here to view more about the Fair Housing Act.

The City of Key West Code of Ordinances, Chapter 38, created the Fair Housing Board and designated the Key West Housing Authority responsible for implementing the Fair Housing Law policies and ensuring its practice.  In 1974, the US Congress also prohibited discrimination based on sex.  In 1988, an amendment to the law prohibited discrimination against disabled persons and families with children and protection for victims of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Ways It Is Illegal to Discriminate

It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin:

  • Blockbusting is illegal
  • In advertising the sale or rental of housing
  • In the appraisal of housing
  • In the financing of housing
  • In the provision of real estate brokerage services
  • In the sale or rental of housing or residential lots

Fair Housing Complaint

Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.  If you have attempted to buy or rent a home or apartment and believe your rights were violated, you can file a Fair Housing Complaint.  All residents have been notified any complaints regarding a discriminatory action under one of the above requirements may be filed with the following:

Housing Authority of the City of Key West

Attn: Lee-Ann Broadbent
1400 Kennedy Drive
Key West, Florida 33040
Phone: (305) 296-5621


Rights Violated

The Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) administers and enforces federal laws and establishes policies that ensure all Americans have equal access to the housing they choose.  You can contact the Housing Discrimination Hotline at (800) 669-9777 (Voice) or (800) 927-9275 (TTY).

HUD is ready to help with any problem of housing discrimination.  If you believe your rights were violated, the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form is available on the HUD website to download, complete, return, or complete online and submit.  You may write HUD a letter or telephone the HUD Office nearest you.  You must file a complaint with HUD one year after an alleged violation, but you should file it as soon as possible.

Florida Commission on Human Relations

Anyone who feels they are a victim of discrimination may file a complaint of housing discrimination to the Florida Commission on Human Relations by calling (800) 342-8170 or (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations website.