ADA Compliance in Florida
Maintaining ADA compliance in Florida not only helps you avoid costly lawsuits but also improves your brand reputation. Don’t wait for a complaint or legal action—take the initiative, demonstrate your commitment to inclusion, and help create a more accessible future.
Florida ADA Requirements
Florida follows a combination of state and federal laws that set clear standards for web accessibility, helping people with disabilities access digital content without barriers.
Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, sets rules to make sure everything is accessible, including stuff online. Title II says that websites and online services run by state and local governments have to be usable by people with disabilities.
Then there is Title III, which adds that businesses and nonprofits in Florida that serve the public also need to follow these rules. Plus, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act makes it clear that federal agencies have to ensure their electronic info and technology are accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Even though it mainly focuses on federal groups, it applies to state and local agencies that get federal money, too. For instance, if a health department in Florida is getting federal funds, they need to make sure their digital stuff, like PDFs and websites, are following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines or WCAG.
Florida Accessible Electronic and Information Technology Act of 2006
The Florida Accessible Electronic and Information Technology Act from 2006 makes it a must for state agencies to create and use electronic info and technology that everyone can access. This law works hand in hand with Section 508, which supports equal access to digital resources for people with disabilities. It was enacted on July 1, 2006.
The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) teams up with various groups to set rules that make sure electronic info and technology are accessible in government offices.
Who Must Comply
This law covers all parts of Florida's state government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. These agencies have to follow the rules in this law whenever they're developing, buying, maintaining, or using electronic information technology that was acquired after July 1, 2006.
Even though this law doesn't directly affect businesses, sticking to the accessibility guidelines in it is a smart move. It boosts inclusivity, makes sure everyone can access the info, and shows that businesses care about social responsibility. This can really help improve how people see the brand and support long-term growth.
Covered Resources
The law encompasses any EIT (Electronic and Information Technology) used to create, manage, or distribute data, including:
- Websites
- Telecommunications products
- Information kiosks
- Multimedia systems
- Office devices
Exemptions and Alternative Methods
Exemptions include technology related to military or intelligence functions and contractor-acquired technology incidental to a contract. Agencies are not obligated to install accessibility software at non-disabled employees’ workstations or provide resources beyond their usual public access locations.
Consequences of Noncompliance With Accessibility Laws
Non-compliance with Florida's accessibility laws can have serious legal and financial consequences. Ignoring web accessibility requirements may lead to costly lawsuits, where plaintiffs seek injunctive relief that compels you to implement changes.
Fines can reach up to $250,000, and additional federal and state penalties may also apply. Accessibility issues can cause potential customers to leave your website, as users with disabilities will exit if they encounter navigation difficulties. This loss of customer engagement can significantly impact your revenue, especially if you're in the e-commerce sector.
How To Ensure Your Website Complies With Florida Accessibility Laws
Web accessibility compliance issues are best addressed using various tools and techniques, such as:
- Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Start by identifying accessibility issues on your website. Conduct audit to detect common problems and follow up with a detailed analysis by web accessibility experts to assess severity and develop effective solutions.
- Ensure Digital Asset Accessibility: Achieving ADA compliance in Florida requires making all website elements accessible. Focus on implementing PDF remediation and creating meaningful, accessible video content.
Be Accessible is here to help you avoid the legal, financial, and reputational risks of accessibility issues. We turn digital accessibility into a valuable asset for your business through comprehensive website audits, document remediations, flawless accessibility repairs, and custom-made training.
Be Accessible Increases Digital Accessibility Every Day
We serve a wide range of industries from restaurants to tech companies to financial institutions and everything in between.
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