On or about March 10, 2018, Patricia Cintron filed a complaint with the Broward County Human Rights Section (the "Section") alleging housing discrimination against Environ Towers Condominium Association ("Environ Towers"). In her complaint, Ms. Cintron alleges that Environ Towers denied her reasonable accommodation request to maintain an emotional support animal in her unit.
After receiving the complaint, the Section investigated Ms. Cintron's allegations and found reasonable cause to believe that Environ Towers engaged in discriminatory housing practices against Ms. Cintron. Settlement efforts were unsuccessful, so a formal charge of discrimination was filed with the Broward County Human Rights Board. On September 30, 2018, Ms. Cintron exercised her right to have this matter resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction instead of by the Human Rights Board.
Pursuant to the County's agreement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under which the County receives funding, the County is required to prosecute claims of housing discrimination. Section 16½-53(b) of the Broward County Code of Ordinances requires that the Office of the County Attorney obtain authorization from the Board to file a court action to prosecute these matters. This motion authorizes the Office of the County Attorney to file an action.
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