Overview
- Attorney General James Uthmeier filed the suit Dec. 10 in Highlands County’s 10th Judicial Circuit after dropping an earlier administrative case, targeting practices across 934 Florida stores.
- The filing cites 2020 representation goals to employ people of color in 40% of retail and distribution roles and 30% of corporate jobs by 2025.
- According to the complaint, executive bonuses were tied to diversity metrics, including mentoring BIPOC employees and maintaining BIPOC retention above 87% for bonus eligibility.
- Allegations include race-limited mentorship and networking programs and race-influenced pay, with Florida workers reporting exclusion, reduced compensation and lost advancement opportunities.
- The state seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, damages and civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, while Starbucks denies wrongdoing and says its programs are lawful and open to all.