Fair Housing

Fair Housing in Florida Real Estate Exam: Florida Real Estate Salesperson Last Updated: June 2026 --- ## The Fair Housing Act — Federal Law The Fair Housing Act (FHA) was enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on protected characteristics. It was significantly strengthened by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. ### The 7 Federal Protected Classes | # | Protected Class | Added | |---|---|---| | 1 | Race | 1968 | | 2 | Color | 1968 | | 3 | Religion | 1968 | | 4 | National Origin | 1968 | | 5 | Sex | 1974 | | 6 | Familial Status | 1988 | | 7 | Disability (Handicap) | 1988 | > Exam Tip: The original 1968 FHA had 4 protected classes (Race, Color, Religion, National Origin). Sex was added in 1974, and Familial Status + Disability in 1988. Know when each was added. ### Familial Status Defined Familial status protects families with children under age 18, including: - Parents or guardians of children under 18 - Pregnant women - Anyone in the process of obtaining custody of children under 18 > Exam Tip: Familial status does NOT mean marital status. You can discriminate based on marital status under federal law (though not under Florida law — see below). ### Disability Defined Disability (handicap) includes: - Physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities - A record of such impairment - Being regarded as having such impairment Does NOT include current illegal drug use. --- ## Florida Fair Housing Act —…