AIDS and the Perception of AIDS as Handicaps under Florida Law

Until 1989, many questions remained unanswered about the extent of protection afforded by Florida's numerous handicap discrimination laws for those with symptomless infection of the AIDS virus or those perceived as having such an infection. The 1989 Florida Legislature settled these questions by declaring that having the infection and being perceived as infected fall within the protection of these statutes. As a rationale, the Legislature adopted an express statement of intent that found all forms of AIDS-related discrimination irrational, scientifically unfounded, and detrimental to society as a whole. This Article explores the sweeping implications of these legislative determinations.