Florida AG sues Starbucks over DEI quotas
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Wednesday he is suing Starbucks, alleging the company’s diversity goals function as illegal race-based hiring and promotion quotas and that executive bonuses were tied to specific DEI targets. The complaint cites Starbucks’ 2020 targets (40% people of color in retail/distribution jobs and 30% in corporate by 2025), alleges pay disparities favoring certain races, and seeks $10,000 for each instance of discrimination affecting Florida residents—potentially totaling tens of millions.
📌 Key Facts
- AG James Uthmeier alleges Starbucks used unlawful racial quotas and DEI-linked executive bonuses.
- Targets cited: 40% POC in retail/distribution, 30% POC in corporate by 2025; BIPOC retention >87% tied to bonuses.
- Damages sought: $10,000 per instance of discrimination; Starbucks has 900+ Florida stores.
- Efforts began under former AG Ashley Moody in 2024; lawsuit announced Dec. 10, 2025.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, Starbucks' U.S. workforce was composed of 48.1% White, 31.7% Hispanic or Latinx, 8.1% Black, 5.9% Asian, and 4.9% two or more races employees.
Starbucks U.S. Workforce Demographics — Starbucks
In 2022, Starbucks' corporate workforce was 63.4% White, 18.9% Asian, 8.0% Hispanic or Latinx, 4.6% Black, and 3.7% two or more races.
Starbucks U.S. Workforce Demographics — Starbucks
In 2024, the U.S. unemployment rate was 6% for Black Americans, 5% for Hispanics, 3.5% for Whites, and 3.1% for Asians.
In 2022, the percentage of U.S. adults ages 25 and older with an associate degree or higher was 64.6% for Asians, 48.7% for Whites, 32.4% for Blacks, and 27.7% for Hispanics.
Educational Attainment by Race and Ethnicity — American Council on Education
According to 2024 estimates, Florida's population is 54.2% White alone, 14.8% Black alone, 3.09% Asian alone, and 27.1% Hispanic or Latino (of any race).
Demographics of Florida — Wikipedia