reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
FL Stat § 445.014 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.014 - Small Business Workforce Service Initiative.

445.014 Small business workforce service initiative.—(1) Subject to legislative appropriation, the state board shall establish a program to encourage local workforce development boards to establish one-stop delivery systems that maximize the provision of workforce and human-resource support services to small businesses. Under the program, a local workforce development board may apply, on a competitive basis, for funds to support the provision of such services to small businesses through the local workforce development area’s one-stop delivery system.(2) Eligible uses of funds under this program include, but are not limited to:(a) Identifying common training needs among small businesses;(b) Developing curriculum to address common training needs among small businesses;(c) Facilitating the provision of training services for such small businesses through eligible training providers;(d) Assisting small businesses to identify incentives and complete applications or other paperwork associated with such incentives; and(e) Establishing a single point of contact for the provision of preemployment and postemployment services to small businesses.(3) The state board shall establish guidelines governing the administration of this program and shall establish criteria to be used in evaluating applications for funding. Such criteria must include, but need not be limited to, a showing that the local workforce development board has in place a detailed plan for establishing a one-stop delivery system designed to meet the workforce needs of small businesses and for leveraging other funding sources in support of such activities.(4) For purposes of this section, the term “small business” means an independently owned and operated business concern that employs 30 or fewer permanent full-time employees and that, together with its affiliates, has a net worth of not more than $3 million and an average net income, after federal income taxes and excluding any carryover losses, of not more than $2 million for the preceding 2 years.History.—s. 161, ch. 2000-165; s. 35, ch. 2015-98; s. 33, ch. 2016-216; s. 19, ch. 2020-30.
FL Stat § 445.016 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.016 - Untried Worker Placement and Employment Incentive Act.

445.016 Untried Worker Placement and Employment Incentive Act.—(1) This section may be cited as the “Untried Worker Placement and Employment Incentive Act.”(2) For purposes of this section, the term “untried worker” means a person who is a hard-to-place participant in the welfare transition program because he or she has limitations associated with the long-term receipt of welfare and difficulty in sustaining employment, particularly because of physical or mental disabilities.(3) Incentive payments may be made to for-profit or not-for-profit agents selected by local workforce development boards who successfully place untried workers in full-time employment for 6 months with an employer after the employee successfully completes a probationary placement of no more than 6 months with that employer. Full-time employment that includes health care benefits will receive an additional incentive payment.(4) The for-profit and not-for-profit agents shall contract to provide services for no more than 1 year. Contracts may be renewed upon successful review by the contracting agent.(5) Incentives must be paid according to the incentive schedule developed by CareerSource Florida, Inc., the Department of Economic Opportunity, and the Department of Children and Families which costs the state less per placement than the state’s 12-month expenditure on a welfare recipient.(6) During an untried worker’s probationary placement, the for-profit or not-for-profit agent shall be the employer of record of that untried worker, and shall provide workers’ compensation and reemployment assistance coverage as provided by law. The business employing the untried worker through the agent may be eligible to apply for any tax credits, wage supplementation, wage subsidy, or employer payment for that employee that are authorized in law or by agreement with the employer. After satisfactory completion of such a probationary period, an untried worker shall not be considered an untried worker.(7) This section shall not be used for the purpose of displacing or replacing an employer’s regular employees, and shall not interfere with executed collective bargaining agreements. Untried workers shall be paid by the employer at the same rate as similarly situated and assessed workers in the same place of employment.(8) An employer that demonstrates a pattern of unsuccessful placements shall be disqualified from participation in these pilots because of poor return on the public’s investment.(9) Any employer that chooses to employ untried workers is eligible to receive such incentives and benefits that are available and provided in law, as long as the long-term, cost savings can be quantified with each such additional inducement.History.—s. 3, ch. 96-404; s. 216, ch. 99-8; s. 56, ch. 99-251; s. 16, ch. 2000-165; s. 385, ch. 2011-142; s. 71, ch. 2012-30; s. 258, ch. 2014-19; s. 36, ch. 2015-98; s. 34, ch. 2016-216.Note.—Former s. 446.603; s. 288.9955.
FL Stat § 445.017 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.017 - Diversion.

445.017 Diversion.—(1) Many customers of the one-stop delivery system do not need ongoing temporary cash assistance, but, due to an unexpected circumstance or emergency situation, require some immediate assistance to secure or retain employment or child support. These immediate obligations may include a shelter or utility payment, a car repair to continue employment, or other services that will alleviate the applicant’s emergency financial need and allow the person to focus on obtaining or continuing employment.(2) Up-front diversion shall involve four steps:(a) Linking applicants with job opportunities as the first option.(b) Offering services, such as child care or transportation, as an alternative to welfare.(c) Screening applicants to respond to emergency needs.(d) Offering a one-time payment of up to $1,000 per family.(3) Before finding an applicant family eligible for up-front diversion services, the local workforce development board must determine that all requirements of eligibility for diversion services would likely be met.(4) The local workforce development board shall screen each family on a case-by-case basis for barriers to obtaining or retaining employment. The screening shall identify barriers that, if corrected, may prevent the family from receiving temporary cash assistance on a regular basis. Assistance to overcome a barrier to employment is not limited to cash, but may include vouchers or other in-kind benefits.(5) The family receiving up-front diversion must sign an agreement restricting the family from applying for temporary cash assistance for 3 months, unless an emergency is demonstrated to the local workforce development board. If a demonstrated emergency forces the family to reapply for temporary cash assistance within 3 months after receiving a diversion payment, the diversion payment shall be prorated over an 8-month period and deducted from any temporary assistance for which the family is eligible.(6) The department may adopt rules governing the administration of this section and may establish guidelines for screening criteria, referrals to community resources, restrictions on receipt of up-front diversion and transitional services, definitions of emergency services, verification requirements, and processing timeframes.History.—s. 19, ch. 96-175; s. 14, ch. 97-173; s. 17, ch. 2000-165; s. 6, ch. 2000-300; s. 35, ch. 2016-216.Note.—Former s. 414.15.
FL Stat § 445.018 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.018 - Diversion Program to Strengthen Florida’s Families.

445.018 Diversion program to strengthen Florida’s families.—(1) The diversion program to strengthen families in this state is intended to provide services that assist families in avoiding welfare dependency by gaining and retaining employment.(2) Before finding a family eligible for the diversion program created under this section, a determination must be made that:(a) The family includes a pregnant woman or a parent with one or more minor children or a caretaker relative with one or more minor children.(b) The family is at risk of welfare dependency because the family’s income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level.(c) The provision of services related to employment, including assessment, service planning and coordination, job placement, employment-related education or training, child care services, transportation services, relocation services, workplace employment support services, individual or family counseling, or a Retention Incentive Training Account (RITA), are likely to prevent the family from becoming dependent on welfare by enabling employable adults in the family to become employed, remain employed, or pursue career advancement.(3) The services provided under this section are not considered assistance under federal law or guidelines.(4) Each family that receives services under this section must sign an agreement not to apply for temporary cash assistance for 6 months following the receipt of services, unless an unanticipated emergency situation arises. If a family applies for temporary cash assistance without a documented emergency, the family must repay the value of the diversion services provided. Repayment may be prorated over 8 months and shall be paid through a reduction in the amount of any monthly temporary cash assistance payment received by the family.(5) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, a family that meets the requirements of subsection (2) is considered a needy family and is eligible for services under this section.History.—s. 18, ch. 2000-165.
FL Stat § 445.019 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.019 - Teen Parent and Pregnancy Prevention Diversion Program; Eligibility for Services.

445.019 Teen parent and pregnancy prevention diversion program; eligibility for services.—The Legislature recognizes that teen pregnancy is a major cause of dependency on government assistance that often extends through more than one generation. The purpose of the teen parent and pregnancy prevention diversion program is to provide services to reduce and avoid welfare dependency by reducing teen pregnancy, reducing the incidence of multiple pregnancies to teens, and by assisting teens in completing educational or employment programs, or both.(1) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in ss. 414.075, 414.085, and 414.095, a teen who is determined to be at risk of teen pregnancy or who already has a child shall be deemed eligible to receive services under this program.(2) Services provided under this program shall be limited to services that are not considered assistance under federal law or guidelines.(3) Receipt of services under this section does not preclude eligibility for, or receipt of, other assistance or services under chapter 414.History.—s. 20, ch. 99-241; s. 19, ch. 2000-165; s. 7, ch. 2005-255.Note.—Former s. 414.159.
FL Stat § 445.020 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.020 - Diversion Programs; Determination of Need.

445.020 Diversion programs; determination of need.—If federal regulations require a determination of needy families or needy parents to be based on financial criteria, such as income or resources, for individuals or families who are receiving services, one-time payments, or nonrecurring short-term benefits, the TANF state plan shall clearly indicate such criteria. If federal regulations do not require a financial determination for receipt of such benefits, payments, or services, the criteria otherwise established in this chapter shall be used.History.—s. 20, ch. 2000-165; s. 8, ch. 2005-255.
FL Stat § 445.022 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.022 - Retention Incentive Training Accounts.

445.022 Retention Incentive Training Accounts.—To promote job retention and to enable upward job advancement into higher skilled, higher paying employment, the state board and the local workforce development boards may assemble a list of programs and courses offered by postsecondary educational institutions which may be available to participants who have become employed to promote job retention and advancement.(1) The state board may establish Retention Incentive Training Accounts (RITAs) to use Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds specifically appropriated for this purpose. RITAs must complement the Individual Training Account required by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Pub. L. No. 113-128.(2) RITAs may pay for tuition, fees, educational materials, coaching and mentoring, performance incentives, transportation to and from courses, child care costs during education courses, and other such costs as the local workforce development boards determine are necessary to effect successful job retention and advancement.(3) Local workforce development boards shall retain only those courses that continue to meet their performance standards as established in their local plan.(4) Local workforce development boards shall report annually to the Legislature on the measurable retention and advancement success of each program provider and the effectiveness of RITAs, making recommendations for any needed changes or modifications.History.—s. 25, ch. 99-241; s. 22, ch. 2000-165; s. 38, ch. 2015-98; s. 37, ch. 2016-216; s. 21, ch. 2020-30.Note.—Former s. 414.223.
FL Stat § 445.023 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.023 - Program for Dependent Care for Families With Children With Special Needs.

445.023 Program for dependent care for families with children with special needs.—(1) There is created the program for dependent care for families with children with special needs. This program is intended to provide assistance to families with children who meet the following requirements:(a) The child or children are between the ages of 13 and 17 years, inclusive.(b) The child or children are considered to be children with special needs.(c) The family meets the income guidelines established under s. 1002.87, notwithstanding any financial eligibility criteria to the contrary in s. 414.075, s. 414.085, or s. 414.095.(2) Implementation of this program shall be subject to appropriation of funds for this purpose.(3) If federal funds under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant provided under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act, as amended, are used for this program, the family must be informed about the federal requirements on receipt of such assistance and must sign a written statement acknowledging, and agreeing to comply with, all federal requirements.(4) In addition to school readiness program services provided under part VI of chapter 1002, dependent care may be provided for children age 13 years and older who are in need of care due to disability and where such care is needed for the parent to accept or continue employment or otherwise participate in work activities. The amount of subsidy shall be consistent with the rates for special needs child care established by the department. Dependent care needed for employment may be provided as transitional services for up to 2 years after eligibility for temporary cash assistance ends.(5) Notwithstanding any provision of s. 414.105 to the contrary, the time limitation on receipt of assistance under this section shall be the limit established pursuant to s. 408(a)(7) of the Social Security Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. s. 608(a)(7).History.—s. 22, ch. 99-241; s. 23, ch. 2000-165; s. 24, ch. 2001-170; s. 25, ch. 2013-252.Note.—Former s. 414.18.
FL Stat § 445.026 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.026 - Cash Assistance Severance Benefit.

445.026 Cash assistance severance benefit.—An individual who meets the criteria listed in this section may choose to receive a lump-sum payment in lieu of ongoing cash assistance payments, provided the individual:(1) Is employed and is receiving earnings.(2) Has received cash assistance for at least 6 consecutive months.(3) Expects to remain employed for at least 6 months.(4) Chooses to receive a one-time, lump-sum payment in lieu of ongoing monthly payments.(5) Provides employment and earnings information to the local workforce development board, so that the local workforce development board can ensure that the family’s eligibility for severance benefits can be evaluated.(6) Signs an agreement not to apply for or accept cash assistance for 6 months after receipt of the one-time payment. In the event of an emergency, such agreement shall provide for an exception to this restriction, provided that the one-time payment shall be deducted from any cash assistance for which the family subsequently is approved. This deduction may be prorated over an 8-month period. The state board shall adopt criteria defining the conditions under which a family may receive cash assistance due to such emergency.Such individual may choose to accept a one-time, lump-sum payment of $1,000 in lieu of receiving ongoing cash assistance. Such payment shall only count toward the time limitation for the month in which the payment is made in lieu of cash assistance. A participant choosing to accept such payment shall be terminated from cash assistance. However, eligibility for Medicaid, food assistance, or child care shall continue, subject to the eligibility requirements of those programs.History.—s. 15, ch. 99-241; s. 26, ch. 2000-165; s. 38, ch. 2010-209; s. 40, ch. 2015-98; s. 40, ch. 2016-216; s. 23, ch. 2020-30.Note.—Former s. 414.1525.
FL Stat § 445.028 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.028 - Transitional Benefits and Services.

445.028 Transitional benefits and services.—In cooperation with the department, the Department of Children and Families shall develop procedures to ensure that families leaving the temporary cash assistance program receive transitional benefits and services that will assist the family in moving toward self-sufficiency. At a minimum, such procedures must include, but are not limited to, the following:(1) Each recipient of cash assistance who is determined ineligible for cash assistance for a reason other than a work activity sanction shall be contacted by the workforce system case manager and provided information about the availability of transitional benefits and services. Such contact shall be attempted prior to closure of the case management file.(2) Each recipient of temporary cash assistance who is determined ineligible for cash assistance due to noncompliance with the work activity requirements shall be contacted and provided information in accordance with s. 414.065(1).(3) The department, in consultation with the state board, shall develop informational material, including posters and brochures, to better inform families about the availability of transitional benefits and services.(4) The department, in cooperation with the Department of Children and Families, shall, to the extent permitted by federal law, develop procedures to maximize the utilization of transitional Medicaid by families who leave the temporary cash assistance program.History.—s. 27, ch. 2000-165; s. 260, ch. 2014-19; s. 41, ch. 2015-98; s. 24, ch. 2020-30.
FL Stat § 445.029 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.029 - Transitional Medical Benefits.

445.029 Transitional medical benefits.—(1) A family that loses its temporary cash assistance due to earnings shall remain eligible for Medicaid without reapplication during the immediately succeeding 12-month period if private medical insurance is unavailable from the employer or is unaffordable.(a) The family shall be denied Medicaid during the 12-month period for any month in which the family does not include a dependent child.(b) The family shall be denied Medicaid if, during the second 6 months of the 12-month period, the family’s average gross monthly earnings during the preceding month exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty level.(2) The family shall be informed of transitional Medicaid when the family is notified by the Department of Children and Families of the termination of temporary cash assistance. The notice must include a description of the circumstances in which the transitional Medicaid may be terminated.History.—s. 24, ch. 96-175; s. 18, ch. 97-173; s. 28, ch. 2000-165; s. 261, ch. 2014-19.Note.—Former s. 414.21.
FL Stat § 445.030 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.030 - Transitional Education and Training.

445.030 Transitional education and training.—In order to assist former recipients of temporary cash assistance who are working or actively seeking employment in continuing their training and upgrading their skills, education, or training, support services may be provided for up to 2 years after the family is no longer receiving temporary cash assistance. This section does not constitute an entitlement to transitional education and training. If funds are not sufficient to provide services under this section, the state board may limit or otherwise prioritize transitional education and training.(1) Education or training resources available in the community at no additional cost shall be used whenever possible.(2) Local workforce development boards may authorize child care or other support services in addition to services provided in conjunction with employment. For example, a participant who is employed full time may receive child care services related to that employment and may also receive additional child care services in conjunction with training to upgrade the participant’s skills.(3) Transitional education or training must be job-related, but may include training to improve job skills in a participant’s existing area of employment or may include training to prepare a participant for employment in another occupation.(4) A local workforce development board may enter into an agreement with an employer to share the costs relating to upgrading the skills of participants hired by the employer. For example, a local workforce development board may agree to provide support services such as transportation or a wage subsidy in conjunction with training opportunities provided by the employer.History.—s. 25, ch. 96-175; s. 19, ch. 97-173; s. 24, ch. 99-241; s. 29, ch. 2000-165; s. 23, ch. 2010-210; s. 42, ch. 2015-98; s. 41, ch. 2016-216; s. 25, ch. 2020-30.Note.—Former s. 414.22.
FL Stat § 445.031 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXI - Labor|Chapter 445 - Workforce Services|445.031 - Transitional Transportation.

445.031 Transitional transportation.—In order to assist former recipients of temporary cash assistance in maintaining and sustaining employment or educational opportunities, transportation may be provided, if funds are available, for up to 2 years after the participant is no longer in the program. This does not constitute an entitlement to transitional transportation. If funds are not sufficient to provide services under this section, local workforce development boards may limit or otherwise prioritize transportation services.(1) Transitional transportation must be job or education related.(2) Transitional transportation may include expenses identified in s. 445.025, paid directly or by voucher, as well as a vehicle valued at not more than $8,500 if the vehicle is needed for training, employment, or educational purposes.History.—s. 16, ch. 98-57; s. 26, ch. 99-241; s. 30, ch. 2000-165; s. 42, ch. 2016-216.Note.—Former s. 414.225.