Law & License

    Fair Housing Act

    The federal law that prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability.

    The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on seven protected classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. Florida's Fair Housing Act mirrors these classes.

    A person may file an administrative complaint with HUD within 1 year of a discriminatory act, or a civil lawsuit in federal court within 2 years.

    On the exam

    Seven protected classes. HUD administrative complaint within 1 year; federal lawsuit within 2 years.

    Exam trap

    Age and income are not protected classes under the federal Fair Housing Act. Familial status and disability are the two most often forgotten.

    Tested in

    Federal and State Laws (3% of the exam)

    Practice this section →

    From definition to recall

    See this term inside a real exam question.

    Pass Florida gives you Florida-specific practice, diagnostics across the 19 exam areas, Trap Library, Math Coach, offline access, and one $39.99 purchase. No subscription. No copied exam questions.

    Try 5 free questions

    This definition is Florida real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.