Under Florida law, which of the following questions is legally permissible to ask during a job interview for a construction position?
Correct Answer
D) Are you able to lift 50 pounds as required for this position?
Asking about the ability to perform essential job functions is permissible. Questions about age, marital status, and national origin are prohibited under anti-discrimination laws.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option A is legally permissible because it directly relates to essential job functions and physical requirements necessary to perform the construction work safely and effectively. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Florida employment law, employers can ask about an applicant's ability to perform specific job-related tasks with or without reasonable accommodation. This question focuses on job performance rather than personal characteristics, making it a legitimate inquiry for construction positions where physical capabilities are bona fide occupational requirements.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: What country are you originally from?
Questions about marital status or having children are prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Florida employment law as they constitute discrimination based on sex and family status. These personal matters are irrelevant to job qualifications and could result in discriminatory treatment of applicants.
Option C: Are you married or do you have children?
Asking about age is prohibited under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and Florida Civil Rights Act, which protect individuals 40 years and older from employment discrimination based on age. This question has no bearing on job performance and could lead to discriminatory hiring practices.
Memory Technique
Use 'CAN DO vs. CAN'T ASK' - CAN ask about what they CAN DO for the job (abilities, skills, availability), CAN'T ASK about personal characteristics (Age, Marriage, Children, Origin = AMCO)
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code Chapter 1, Section 105 - Permits and Administration, or Florida Statutes Chapter 760 - Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation and Employment
More Business & Finance Questions
A general contractor purchases equipment worth $45,000 with a useful life of 9 years and no salvage value. Using straight-line depreciation, what is the annual depreciation expense?
What is the typical recommended coverage amount for general liability insurance for a small to medium-sized general contracting business?
A contractor estimates startup costs of $75,000 for equipment, $25,000 for initial inventory, $15,000 for insurance premiums, and $10,000 for working capital. They can finance 70% of the total. How much cash do they need?
When establishing professional relationships with architects and engineers, what is the most important factor for a general contractor to consider?
A partnership agreement for a construction company should address all of the following EXCEPT:
A contractor purchases a truck for $60,000. After 5 years, it has accumulated depreciation of $35,000. What is the truck's book value?
A contractor's business plan projects first-year revenue of $500,000 with a 15% net profit margin. If actual revenue is $450,000 with the same profit margin, what is the variance in net profit?
Using the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), construction equipment is typically depreciated over how many years?
A contractor is comparing financing options for equipment purchase. Option A: $80,000 cash purchase. Option B: $20,000 down, $65,000 financed at 6% for 4 years. What is the total cost of Option B?
A contractor purchases equipment using a capital lease with a present value of $120,000. How should this be recorded on the balance sheet?