Guide to Hiring in

Tourism and Hospitality
‍Florida's tourism industry is one of the largest in the world, driven by attractions such as theme parks, beaches, and cultural sites. This sector provides numerous job opportunities in hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and travel agencies.

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Agriculture
‍Florida is a major producer of citrus fruits, vegetables, and nursery plants. The agriculture industry contributes significantly to the state's economy and offers employment in farming, processing, and distribution.

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Technology and Aerospace
‍With a growing presence of technology companies and the Kennedy Space Center, Florida has become a hub for aerospace, aviation, and high-tech industries. This sector includes companies involved in software development, aerospace manufacturing, and research institutions.

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Healthcare
‍Florida's healthcare industry is expansive, encompassing hospitals, medical research, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. With an aging population, demand for healthcare services continues to rise, creating job opportunities for medical professionals, researchers, and support staff.

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Finance and Real Estate
‍Florida has a robust finance and real estate sector, driven by its booming housing market and numerous financial institutions. This industry includes banking, insurance, real estate development, and property management.

Small businesses play a crucial role in Florida's economy, representing the backbone of its workforce. They contribute to job creation, innovation, and economic growth. In Florida, small businesses account for a significant portion of total employment, particularly in sectors such as retail, restaurants, construction, and professional services. Supporting small businesses through hiring and procurement fosters local economic development and strengthens communities.

In Florida, the future of hiring is shaped by several key trends. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, leading many companies to continue offering remote or hybrid options, impacting recruitment strategies and talent acquisition. Addressing the skills gap through education and workforce development initiatives is crucial to meet the evolving demands of industries like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Additionally, with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy, Florida is expected to see growth in green industries, creating new job opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, environmental conservation, and green construction. However, automation and artificial intelligence are also transforming various sectors, requiring employers to invest in employee training and upskilling to remain competitive. Overall, embracing these trends will enable Florida businesses to build a resilient workforce and thrive in the evolving marketplace.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity: Provides resources for employers, including job postings, labor market information, and assistance with workforce development programs.

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CareerSource Florida: Offers job placement services, training programs, and workforce solutions for employers and job seekers.

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Local Chambers of Commerce: Chambers of Commerce across Florida often provide networking opportunities, business support services, and information on local employment trends.

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Online Job Boards: Platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter are valuable resources for posting job openings and connecting with potential candidates.

Understanding the differences in employment law between Florida and other states is essential for employers operating in or considering expansion into the state.

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At-Will Employment

Florida follows the doctrine of at-will employment, which means that employers can terminate employees for any reason, as long as it's not illegal, and employees can leave their jobs at any time, without notice, for any reason. However, some states have exceptions to at-will employment, such as implied contracts or public policy exceptions, which limit employers' ability to terminate employees without cause.

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Minimum Wage

While the federal minimum wage applies in Florida, the state has its own minimum wage law, which is higher than the federal minimum wage. As of 2024, Florida's minimum wage is $11.00 per hour, with scheduled increases to reach $15.00 per hour by 2026. Some states have minimum wages higher or lower than Florida's, and employers must comply with the higher of the state or federal minimum wage.

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Workers' Compensation

Florida requires most employers to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage for their employees. This coverage provides medical benefits and wage replacement for employees who are injured on the job. Workers' compensation laws vary from state to state, with different requirements for coverage and benefits.

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Drug Testing

Florida has specific laws regulating drug testing in the workplace, including requirements for written drug-free workplace policies and procedures. These laws may differ from those in other states, which may have different rules regarding drug testing, such as restrictions on the types of tests allowed or the consequences of testing positive.

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Leave Laws

Florida does not have its own state-level paid sick leave law, although some local ordinances may require employers to provide sick leave to employees. In contrast, some states have enacted paid sick leave laws that apply statewide, providing employees with paid time off for illness, medical appointments, or caring for family members.

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Discrimination and Harassment

Florida's anti-discrimination laws generally align with federal laws, prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, and pregnancy. However, some states have expanded protections beyond those provided by federal law or have additional protected classes.

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Non-Compete Agreements

Florida has specific laws governing the enforceability of non-compete agreements, which may differ from those in other states. For example, Florida law requires non-compete agreements to be reasonable in terms of duration, geographic scope, and the legitimate business interests they seek to protect.

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Final Paychecks

Florida law requires employers to pay employees their final wages by the next regularly scheduled payday following the end of employment. Some states have different requirements for when final paychecks must be issued, such as immediately upon termination or within a certain number of days.