Starbucks settles Florida civil rights lawsuit over DEI practices

Starbucks Corporation has reached a negotiated settlement with the Florida Department of Legal Affairs to resolve a lawsuit alleging violations of the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992. The lawsuit, filed in December 2025, claimed the company used race- and sex-based goals, quotas, and preferences in its employment practices.

Under the terms of the agreement, Starbucks has committed to complying with the Act, which prohibits such preferences in hiring, promotion, pay, executive compensation, mentorship programs, supplier selection, and board composition. Notably, the agreement applies to all Starbucks operations nationwide. The company also agreed to refrain from participating in organizations that require increasing the racial diversity of its board of directors.

As part of the resolution, Starbucks will pay $1 million to the Florida Department of Legal Affairs to reimburse costs and expenses. Additionally, the company’s Chief Legal Officer must submit annual certifications of compliance for the next four years. The settlement includes no admission of liability or wrongdoing by Starbucks.