Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity

Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity

Monroe County is committed to ensuring every resident and visitor has equal access to housing opportunities free from discrimination. Fair housing is both a legal right and a core community value.

This page explains your rights, how to report possible discrimination, and how the County supports fair-housing compliance in partnership with state and federal agencies.

What Is Fair Housing?

Fair housing means that no person shall be denied housing or treated unfairly in housing-related services because of who they are.

Under the federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968), it is illegal to discriminate in housing based on:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Disability
• Familial status (including children under 18 and pregnancy)

 Housing discrimination can occur in:

• Renting or selling a home
• Mortgage lending or financing decisions
• Advertising or steering practices
• Providing unequal services or terms
• Refusal to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities

Monroe County’s Fair Housing Responsibilities

As of July 2025, the Voluntary Home Buyout Program (VHBP) has ended, and fair-housing coordination duties have transitioned to Social Services within the Community Services Department.

Fair-Housing Coordinator

The Fair-Housing Coordinator helps residents:

• Understand their fair-housing rights
• Access discrimination complaint resources
• Locate state and federal complaint procedures
• Educate housing providers and the public on fair housing

Contact Information

Monroe County Social Services
1100 Simonton Street, Suite 1-190, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-292-4408
Email: FHMC@monroecounty-fl.gov

The coordinator does not adjudicate discrimination claims but will assist with information, referrals, and intake for issues that may require state or federal investigation.

Complaints

• Complaint Form