Uthmeier’s original lawsuit, filed at the end of 2025, accused Starbucks of intentionally discriminating against applicants and workers from “non-favored races,” defined as white, Asian, or multiracial. The attorney general’s office claimed that the company had spent about five years enforcing race-based quotas and hiring goals.
Starbucks has agreed to settle a Florida-led lawsuit accusing it of discriminating against workers by granting preference to minorities in both hiring and pay.
According to The Tallahassee Democrat, the settlement was announced on September 17 and is expected to resolve the state of Florida’s claims against the coffee giant.
“Every Floridian deserves to be hired, promoted, and compensated based on merit, qualifications, and character—not race or sex,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a press release. “This resolution ensures that Starbucks’ policies and practices fully comply with Florida’s civil rights laws. DEI can never be an excuse to violate civil rights. We appreciate Starbucks’ cooperation in reaching this settlement.”
Uthmeier’s original lawsuit, filed at the end of 2025, accused Starbucks of intentionally discriminating against applicants and workers from “non-favored races,” defined as white, Asian, or multiracial. The attorney general’s office claimed that the company had spent about five years enforcing race-based quotas and hiring goals.
“Defendant’s racist employment actions have caused significant financial losses and damages to Florida residents,” the lawsuit says, adding that such practices prevent “a vast number of Florida residents” from obtaining employment, securing promotions, and receiving a reasonable and competitive level of pay.
“Starbucks made DEI more than a slogan,” Uthmeier said when the lawsuit was first announced. “They turned it into a mandatory hiring and promotion system based on race.”
The settlement agreement, which contains no admission of wrongdoing, obliges Starbucks to reimburse about $1 million in legal fees to the Florida Department of Legal Affairs; the company must also verify its compliance each year for up to four years. Starbucks also promised not to participate in organizations that require increasing racial diversity within corporate leadership.
The original lawsuit, notes the Democrat, sought $100 billion in damages for “tens of millions of infractions” alongside punitive damages.
“Our hiring practices are inclusive, fair and competitive, and designed to ensure the strongest candidate for every job, every time,” a Starbucks spokesperson said shortly after the suit was filed.
In a statement addressing the proposed settlement, Starbucks said that it will continue to prioritize “offering great jobs and career opportunities to our partners who wear the green apron.”
“We’re pleased to have resolved this matter without admission of wrongdoing and appreciate the constructive engagement of the Attorney General’s Office throughout this process,” Starbucks executive vice president and chief legal officer Pilar Ramos said in a statement.
Sources
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