Labor Markets: As one of the largest states in the nation, Florida offers a large and talented pool of workers to employers. Florida's labor force is also more affordable compared to other competitive high-tech states, thanks to a favorable tax structure and a lower cost of living. In addition, Florida's professionals are more culturally and linguistically diverse, providing additional competitive advantages to employers in the global marketplace.
Florida's labor market is particularly strong in high value added businesses, including high tech industries and international trade. Ranked 5th in the nation for high tech employment by TechAmerica's Cyberstates report, Florida boasts nearly 267,500 high-tech workers. The talent pool is also deep in workers with advanced degrees and those specializing in healthcare.
Florida's overall nonagricultural employment totaled nearly 7.3 million workers in 2011. For in-depth statistics and analysis of Florida's labor market, visit the Labor Market Statistics Center of the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Education: The state's 12 state universities, six major medical schools, and numerous private colleges and universities work closely with the business community to build programs that reflect the needs of Florida's industries.
Florida's colleges and universities are among the nation's top performers of research & development (R&D) and commercialization of technologies. In 2011, Florida universities performed more than $1.85 billion in sponsored research, working closely with industry to create cutting-edge technologies.
Florida is well equipped to meet the need for positions requiring Associate degrees, with a robust network of technical institutions, community and state colleges, and hundreds of campuses across the state.
Workforce Training: Florida's customized training programs and incentives help companies become operational and profitable in less time and lower costs. Workforce Florida, Inc., the state's innovative partnership for workforce training, provides programs such as Quick Response Training and Incumbent Worker Training to help existing and new companies recruit, train and maintain cutting-edge skills and keep pace with new technologies.
The industry-specific BANNER Center Program addresses demand for skilled workers in some of the state's key industry clusters. Each center also provides on-going access to research and educational development.
To find highly-skilled candidates for your company, please visit Employ Florida.