HCDD Employee Policy Manual
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B. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
EEO refers to federal laws, regulations, and policies prohibiting discrimination in employment
practices. Harmony Community Development District complies with these laws by assuring each
applicant and employee equal opportunities without regard to that person’s race, color, gender,
religion, age, creed, national origin, marital status, disability, or political opinions/affiliations. Except
as otherwise provided by law, the District also assures equal opportunity in recruitment, appointment,
training, promotion, demotion, compensation, retention, discipline, separation, or other employment
practices to any person who is an applicant or employee, including persons with disabilities.
Employees who feel they have been discriminated against should first contact the District
Manager (see back cover for contact details); and then contact the Florida Commission on Human
Relations at 850-488-7082 for more information, or visit their website at http://fchr.state.fl.us/.
C. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
The FLSA is the federal law requiring that covered employees be paid at least the federal
minimum wage and overtime pay (at time and one-half of the employee’s regular hourly rate of pay)
for all hours worked over 40 hours in a workweek. Employees not covered by the FLSA are referred
to as “exempt” and those who are covered by the FLSA minimum wage and overtime provisions are
referred to as “non-exempt.”
The 40-hour workweek is the work period (also called FLSA period) for most non-exempt
employees. Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime pay under the FLSA. However, under
certain circumstances they may receive leave credits or straight-time pay, depending on the pay plan
and level of their position, for work beyond their scheduled work hours. The work period for exempt
employees is always the same as their pay period. That is, for biweekly employees it covers an 80-
hour period that falls between specific biweekly start dates and end dates.
If employees are not sure whether they are an exempt or non-exempt employee under the FLSA
and whether their work period is the 40-hour workweek, an extended work period, or the same as
employees pay period, they should ask their supervisor.
D. Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA)
Section 760.05, Florida Statutes, provides that the Florida Commission on Human Relations
(FCHR) shall promote and encourage fair treatment and equal opportunity for all persons regardless
of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status and mutual understanding
and respect among all members of all economic, social, racial, religious, and ethnic groups; and shall
endeavor to eliminate discrimination against, and antagonism between, religious, racial, and ethnic
groups and their members. The mission of the FCHR is to prevent unlawful discrimination by ensuring
people in Florida are treated fairly and are given access to opportunities in employment, housing, and
certain public accommodations; and to promote mutual respect among groups through education and
partnerships.
For more detailed information, please contact the FCHR at 850-488-7082 or visit their website
at: http://fchr.state.fl.us.