Florida's economy is marked by notable achievements, including substantial investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and a business-friendly environment under Gov. Ron DeSantis. These factors contribute to Florida's leading position in job growth, low unemployment rate, and high rate of new business formations. Additionally, the state ranks as the number one destination for net in-migration due to its favorable economic conditions and quality of life.
The aim is to synchronize the advancement of Florida’s workforce and industries. CareerSource Florida, responsible for workforce policy and investment, collaborates with the Florida Chamber of Commerce to support businesses and workers through innovative strategies.
"Our organizations recognize that talent is the most important tool in any economic development toolkit," said Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida. Efforts are underway to identify future skill demands to align education and workforce systems accordingly.
Given current low unemployment rates and a limited labor force, increasing workforce participation among Floridians is crucial. The state offers various opportunities for residents to reskill or upskill at no cost, targeting the 1.9 million adults without a high school diploma—a prerequisite for many career programs.
A key initiative in this regard is Future of Work Florida. This collaboration between CareerSource Florida, the Florida Chamber Foundation, and the Florida Department of Education promotes career and technical education as a solution to workforce challenges by uniting business with education partners.
According to the "Top 30 in 2030" list by the Florida Chamber Foundation, careers such as registered nurses and construction managers offer median wages exceeding $30 an hour with only an associate degree required. The list also identifies other careers needing some postsecondary training while considering regional industry demands across counties.
Efforts extend towards supporting economic diversification by ensuring talent infrastructure aligns with key industry investments through partnerships with educational institutions and job training grants for new businesses.
Mark Wilson, President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation stated: "We are proud of our joint efforts... However, we cannot achieve this vision alone." He called on business leaders to engage actively with local workforce boards and foundations.
Business leaders are encouraged to connect with local workforce boards while students or job seekers should explore career services available at local centers.
Together these initiatives aim to make "Florida the best place in the world to work, live, and play," preparing it for future opportunities.
Adrienne Johnston is President & CEO of CareerSource Florida.
Mark Wilson is President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce & Foundation.