Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has reached a settlement with Starbucks over a lawsuit alleging the coffee giant used race- and sex-based employment policies that violated state civil rights law.
Why it matters: The agreement ends a case Florida filed against Starbucks in December 2025 as state officials continue challenging corporate diversity, equity and inclusion policies they contend conflict with anti-discrimination laws.
The backstory: Uthmeier’s office sued Starbucks on Dec. 10, alleging the company used race-based quotas or preferences involving hiring and employee advancement. The lawsuit was brought under the Florida Civil Rights Act. Starbucks did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
What Starbucks agreed to:
- Comply with the Florida Civil Rights Act’s prohibitions on race- and sex-based preferences involving hiring, promotions, compensation and other employment practices.
- Avoid race- or sex-based goals or quotas involving executive compensation, mentorship programs, supplier selection and board composition.
- Not participate in organizations that require companies to increase the racial diversity of their boards.
- Have Starbucks’ chief legal officer certify the company’s compliance annually for four years.
- Pay $1 million to the Florida Department of Legal Affairs to reimburse the state for costs associated with the lawsuit.
What they’re saying: Uthmeier said employment decisions should be based on “merit, qualifications, and character,” and said the agreement ensures Starbucks’ practices comply with Florida law.
Starbucks Chief Legal Officer Pilar Ramos said the company was pleased to resolve the dispute “without admission of wrongdoing” and said Starbucks would remain focused on providing jobs and career opportunities for its employees.
The bottom line: The settlement resolves the Florida lawsuit without a finding or admission that Starbucks violated the law, while requiring the company to certify its compliance with Florida’s civil rights statute for the next four years
