A Florida court has upheld the dismissal of an employment discrimination case filed by Mladenko Karac against Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS). The District Court of Appeal of Florida ruled that the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) properly dismissed Karac's petition due to a lack of evidence and procedural issues. This ruling is significant as it highlights the importance of following legal procedures in discrimination cases.

The court's decision, issued on November 13, 2026, in case number 2D2025-1811, affects individuals who file discrimination claims and emphasizes the necessity for complete records in appeals. The ruling reinforces the standards that must be met for such cases to proceed.

Background

Mladenko Karac, representing himself, filed a petition with the FCHR claiming employment discrimination against FIS. The details of the alleged discrimination were not specified in the court's opinion. After reviewing Karac's petition, the FCHR dismissed it, stating that it lacked sufficient evidence to support his claims. Karac had requested that his case be transferred to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), but the FCHR stated it did not have the authority to make such a transfer.

Following the dismissal by the FCHR, Karac appealed the decision to the District Court of Appeal of Florida. He raised two main issues: first, that the FCHR erred in dismissing his case without holding an evidentiary hearing; and second, that the FCHR failed to provide a complete record for his appeal and did not adequately notify him of the consequences of missing a prehearing conference.

The Ruling

The District Court of Appeal affirmed the FCHR's dismissal of Karac's petition. The court noted that Karac failed to provide a complete record necessary for the appeal. The judges emphasized that the appellant has the burden to submit a record adequate to support their appeal. The court stated, "Without a record of the trial proceedings, the appellate court cannot properly resolve the underlying factual issues..." This highlights the importance of a complete record in legal proceedings.

Additionally, the court addressed Karac's due process concerns, stating that he had been given notice and an opportunity to be heard at the prehearing conference. However, he chose not to attend. The judges concluded that Karac did not demonstrate any reversible error in the FCHR's decision and therefore upheld the dismissal.

Impact

This ruling has important implications for individuals pursuing discrimination claims in Florida. It underscores the necessity for claimants to provide adequate evidence and documentation when filing appeals. The court's decision serves as a reminder that procedural compliance is crucial in legal proceedings, particularly in discrimination cases.

Furthermore, the ruling may deter future claimants from filing appeals without ensuring they have met all procedural requirements. It reinforces the principle that courts require complete records to make informed decisions, which can ultimately affect the outcome of similar cases.

What's Next

Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Karac plans to appeal this decision further. However, the ruling stands as a significant precedent for future employment discrimination cases in Florida, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal procedures.