reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.010 - Consumer-First Workforce System Technology; Principles and Information Sharing.

445.010 Consumer-first workforce system technology; principles and information sharing.—
(1) The following principles shall guide the development and management of workforce system resources:
(a) Workforce system entities should be committed to information sharing.
(b) Cooperative planning by workforce system entities is a prerequisite for the effective development of systems to enable the sharing of data.
(c) Workforce system entities should maximize public access to data, while complying with legitimate security, privacy, and confidentiality requirements.
(d) When the capture of data for the mutual benefit of workforce system entities can be accomplished, the costs for capturing, managing, and disseminating those data should be shared.
(e) The redundant capture of data should, insofar as possible, be eliminated.
(f) Only data that are auditable, or that otherwise can be determined to be accurate, valid, and reliable, should be maintained in the consumer-first workforce system.
(g) The design of the consumer-first workforce system should support technological flexibility for users without compromising system integration or data integrity, be based upon open standards, and use platform-independent technologies to the fullest extent possible.
(2) Information that is essential to the integrated delivery of services through the one-stop delivery system must be shared between partner agencies within the consumer-first workforce system to the full extent permitted under state and federal law. In order to enable the full integration of services for a specific workforce system customer, that customer must be offered the opportunity to provide written consent prior to sharing any information concerning that customer between the workforce system partners which is subject to confidentiality under state or federal law.
History.—s. 12, ch. 2000-165; s. 41, ch. 2021-164.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.032 - Transitional Child Care.

445.032 Transitional child care.—In order to assist former welfare transition program participants and individuals who have been redirected through up-front diversion in obtaining employment, continuing to be employed, and improving their employment prospects, transitional child care is available for up to 2 years:
(1) To a former program participant who is no longer receiving temporary cash assistance and who is employed or is actively seeking employment if his or her income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level at any time during that 2-year period.
(2) To an individual who has been redirected through up-front diversion and who is employed or is actively seeking employment if his or her income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level at any time during that 2-year period.
History.—s. 31, ch. 2000-165; s. 2, ch. 2007-197.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.0325 - Welfare Transition Trust Fund.

445.0325 Welfare Transition Trust Fund.—
(1) The Welfare Transition Trust Fund is created in the State Treasury, to be administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity. Funds shall be credited to the trust fund to be used for the purposes of the welfare transition program set forth in ss. 445.017-445.032.
(2) The intent of the Welfare Transition Trust Fund is to support the welfare transition program, including diversion services, employment and related services, transition services, and support services.
(3) Funds budgeted for the welfare transition program may be appropriated to the Welfare Transition Trust Fund for implementation of welfare transition services. Additional funds may be placed in the Welfare Transition Trust Fund, including incentive funds earned by the state for purposes of this section.
(4) All funds transferred to and retained in the trust fund shall be invested pursuant to s. 17.61. Any interest accruing to the trust fund shall be for the benefit of the welfare transition program. Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, any undisbursed balance remaining in the trust fund and interest accruing to the trust fund not distributed at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the trust fund and shall increase the total funds available to implement the welfare transition program.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2001-174; s. 499, ch. 2003-261; s. 2, ch. 2004-212; s. 3, ch. 2004-235; s. 387, ch. 2011-142.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.034 - Authorized Expenditures.

445.034 Authorized expenditures.—Any expenditures from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant shall be made in accordance with the requirements and limitations of part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act, as amended, or any other applicable federal requirement or limitation. Prior to any expenditure of such funds, the Secretary of Children and Families, or his or her designee, shall certify that controls are in place to ensure such funds are expended in accordance with the requirements and limitations of federal law and that any reporting requirements of federal law are met. It shall be the responsibility of any entity to which such funds are appropriated to obtain the required certification prior to any expenditure of funds.
History.—s. 33, ch. 2000-165; s. 263, ch. 2014-19.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.035 - Data Collection and Reporting.

445.035 Data collection and reporting.—The Department of Children and Families and the state board shall collect data necessary to administer this chapter and make the reports required under federal law to the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Department of Agriculture.
History.—s. 47, ch. 96-175; s. 35, ch. 97-173; s. 29, ch. 99-241; s. 34, ch. 2000-165; s. 264, ch. 2014-19; s. 44, ch. 2015-98; s. 27, ch. 2020-30.
Note.—Former s. 414.44.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.038 - Digital Media; Job Training.

445.038 Digital media; job training.—CareerSource Florida, Inc., through the Department of Economic Opportunity, may use funds dedicated for incumbent worker training for the digital media industry. Training may be provided by public or private training providers for broadband digital media jobs listed on the occupations list developed by the Labor Market Estimating Conference or the Labor Market Statistics Center within the Department of Economic Opportunity and on other programs recommended and approved by the state board following a review by the department to determine the program’s compliance with federal law. Programs that operate outside the normal semester time periods and coordinate the use of industry and public resources must be given priority status for funding.
History.—s. 154, ch. 2000-165; s. 388, ch. 2011-142; s. 45, ch. 2015-98; s. 12, ch. 2021-164; s. 10, ch. 2023-81.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.046 - Establishment of a Network Access Point.

445.046 Establishment of a network access point.—The state actively supports efforts that enhance the information technology industry in this state, particularly those efforts that increase broadband technology. A critical initiative to enhance this industry in this state is determined to be the development of a network access point, which is defined to be a carrier-neutral, public-private Internet traffic exchange point. The state encourages private information technology businesses to forge partnerships to develop a network access point in this state. Moreover, the state recognizes the importance of a network access point that addresses the needs of small information technology businesses.
History.—s. 36, ch. 2000-164.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.047 - Passport to Economic Progress Act; Legislative Intent.

445.047 Passport to Economic Progress Act; legislative intent.—The purpose of the Passport to Economic Progress Act is to provide incentives and services designed to assist individuals who are recipients of temporary cash assistance or who are former recipients of temporary cash assistance generate family income levels that help foster the achievement and maintenance of economic self-sufficiency. It is the intent of the Legislature to create through this act a demonstration program for the provision of such incentives and services, with the goal of developing a model for the continued evolution and enhancement of the welfare reform efforts of the state.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2001-175.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.055 - Employment Advocacy and Assistance Program Targeting Military Spouses and Dependents.

445.055 Employment advocacy and assistance program targeting military spouses and dependents.—
(1) The Legislature finds that military families are faced with a variety of challenges, including frequent relocations, recurring deployments, lengthy periods of separation, and heightened anxiety and uncertainty during periods of conflict. A military spouse’s ability to gain job skills and maintain a career contributes to the financial well-being of the family, spouse satisfaction with military life, and military retention and readiness. Military spouses are often required to terminate their employment in order to support their spouse’s highly mobile military commitment. The unemployment rate for military spouses is approximately four times the civilian unemployment rate, and military spouse earnings are significantly lower than those of their comparably educated civilian peers. Recognizing the employment challenges faced by military spouses and the importance of military families to our communities and economy, the Legislature declares its intent to establish an employment advocacy and assistance program to serve Florida’s military families.
(2) The state board shall establish an employment advocacy and assistance program targeting military spouses and dependents. This program shall deliver employment assistance services through military family employment advocates colocated within selected one-stop career centers. Persons eligible for assistance through this program include spouses and dependents of active duty military personnel, Florida National Guard members, and military reservists.
(3) Military family employment advocates are responsible for providing the following services and activities:
(a) Coordination of employment assistance services through military base family support centers, Florida’s one-stop career centers, and veteran support organizations.
(b) Training to one-stop career center managers and staff on the unique employment needs and skills of military family members.
(c) Promoting and marketing the benefits of employing military family members to prospective employers.
(d) Assisting employment-seeking military family members through job counseling, job search and placement services, the dissemination of information on educational and training programs, and the availability of support services.
(e) Other employment assistance services CareerSource Florida, Inc., deems necessary.
(4) CareerSource Florida, Inc., may enter into agreements with public and private entities to provide services authorized under this section.
History.—s. 15, ch. 2004-230; s. 49, ch. 2015-98; s. 30, ch. 2020-30.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.056 - Citizen Soldier Matching Grant Program.

445.056 Citizen Soldier Matching Grant Program.—The Department of Economic Opportunity shall implement the matching grant program established by the former Agency for Workforce Innovation to award matching grants to private sector employers in this state which provide wages to employees serving in the United States Armed Forces Reserves or the Florida National Guard while those employees are on federal active duty. A grant may not be provided for federal active duty served before January 1, 2005. Each grant shall be awarded to reimburse the employer for not more than one-half of the monthly wages paid to an employee who is a resident of this state for the actual period of federal active duty. The monthly grant per employee may not exceed one-half of the difference between the amount of monthly wages paid by the employer to the employee at the level paid before the date the employee was called to federal active duty and the amount of the employee’s active duty base pay, housing and variable allowances, and subsistence allowance. The Department of Economic Opportunity shall implement the plan administered by the former Agency for Workforce Innovation.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2005-48; s. 393, ch. 2011-142.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.06 - Florida Ready to Work Credential Program.

445.06 Florida Ready to Work Credential Program.—
(1) There is created the Florida Ready to Work Credential Program to enhance the employability skills of Floridians and to better prepare them for successful employment.
(2) Training required to be eligible for a credential under the program may be conducted in public middle and high schools, Florida College System institutions, technical centers, one-stop career centers, vocational rehabilitation centers, Department of Corrections facilities, and Department of Juvenile Justice educational facilities. Such training may also be made available at other entities that provide job training. The Department of Economic Opportunity, in coordination with the Department of Education, shall establish institutional readiness criteria for program implementation.
(3) The program shall be composed of:
(a) A comprehensive identification by the Department of Economic Opportunity and the Department of Education of employability skills currently in demand by employers, including, but not limited to, professionalism, time management, communication, problem solving, collaboration, resilience, digital literacy skills, and academic skills such as mathematics and reading.
(b) A preinstructional assessment that delineates an individual’s mastery level for the employability on the specific workplace skills identified pursuant to paragraph (a).
(c) An instructional program targeting the identified employability skills in which the individual is not proficient as measured by the preinstructional assessment. Instruction must utilize a web-based program and be customizable to meet identified specific needs of employers.
(d) An employability portfolio to be awarded to individuals upon successful completion of the instruction. Each portfolio must delineate the skills demonstrated by the individual as evidence of the individual’s preparation for employment.
(4) An employability credential shall be awarded to an individual who successfully passes assessments which measure the skills identified in paragraph (3)(a).
(5) The Department of Economic Opportunity, in consultation with the Department of Education, shall adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this section.
History.—s. 35, ch. 2006-74; s. 15, ch. 2008-235; s. 73, ch. 2011-5; s. 476, ch. 2011-142; s. 1, ch. 2021-162.
Note.—Former s. 1004.99.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 445 - Workforce Services › 445.07 - Economic Security Report of Employment and Earning Outcomes.

445.07 Economic security report of employment and earning outcomes.—
(1) Beginning December 31, 2013, and annually thereafter, the Department of Economic Opportunity, in consultation with the Department of Education, shall prepare, or contract with an entity to prepare, an economic security report of employment and earning outcomes for degrees or certificates earned at public postsecondary educational institutions.
(2) The report must be easily accessible to and readable by the public and shall be made available online. The report, by educational sector, must:
(a) Use the Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program for data relating to the employment, earnings, continued education, and receipt of public assistance by graduates of a degree or certificate program from a public postsecondary educational institution.
(b) Use the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System or its equivalent for calculating the average student loan debt of a graduate of a degree or certificate program from a public postsecondary educational institution.
(c) Include data on the employment of graduates of a degree or certificate program from a public postsecondary educational institution the year after the degree or certificate is earned by number and percentage and for graduates employed full time in the year after graduation by number and percentage. Beginning with the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the report must include the employment data of graduates of a degree or certificate program from a public postsecondary educational institution 5 years after graduation by number and percentage.
(d) Include data on the earnings of graduates of a degree or certificate program from a public postsecondary educational institution the year after earning the degree or certificate by at least the following levels on a quarterly and annualized basis, rounded to the nearest dollar:
1. Quarterly wages of $6,250 and annualized wages of $25,000 and below.
2. Quarterly wages between $6,251 and $11,250 and annualized wages between $25,001 and $45,000.
3. Quarterly wages of $11,251 and annualized wages of $45,001 and above.
History.—s. 15, ch. 2012-195; s. 32, ch. 2016-216.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 446 - Job Training › 446.011 - Legislative Intent Regarding Apprenticeship Training.

446.011 Legislative intent regarding apprenticeship training.—
(1) It is the intent of the State of Florida to provide educational opportunities for its residents so that they can be trained for trades, occupations, and professions suited to their abilities. It is the intent of this act to promote the mode of training known as apprenticeship in occupations throughout industry in the state that require physical manipulative skills. By broadening job training opportunities and providing for increased coordination between public school academic programs, career programs, and registered apprenticeship programs, the residents of this state will benefit from the valuable training opportunities developed when on-the-job training is combined with academic-related classroom experiences. This act is intended to develop the apparent potentials in apprenticeship training by assisting in the establishment of preapprenticeship programs in the public school system and elsewhere and by expanding presently registered programs as well as promoting new registered programs in jobs that lend themselves to apprenticeship training.
(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Education have responsibility for the development of the apprenticeship and preapprenticeship uniform minimum standards for the apprenticeable trades and that the department have responsibility for assisting district school boards and Florida College System institution boards of trustees in developing preapprenticeship programs.
(3) It is the further intent of ss. 446.011-446.092 that the department ensure quality training through the adoption and enforcement of uniform minimum standards and that the department promote, register, monitor, and service apprenticeship and training programs and ensure that the programs adhere to the standards.
(4) It is the intent of the Legislature that this act not require the use of apprentices on construction projects financed by the state or any county, municipality, town or township, public authority, special district, municipal service taxing unit, or other agency of state or local government. Notwithstanding this intent, whenever any government or agency of government employs, of its own choice, apprentices or employs contractors who employ apprentices, the behavior of the government and the contractors employed by the government shall be governed by the provisions of this act.
History.—s. 1, ch. 23934, 1947; s. 11, ch. 25035, 1949; s. 1, ch. 28037, 1953; s. 1, ch. 63-153; ss. 17, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 72-113; s. 53, ch. 73-338; s. 29, ch. 79-7; s. 1, ch. 79-397; s. 284, ch. 81-259; s. 1, ch. 82-52; s. 18, ch. 83-174; s. 4, ch. 85-75; s. 7, ch. 95-345; s. 16, ch. 97-98; s. 35, ch. 97-307; s. 20, ch. 98-58; s. 111, ch. 2000-165; s. 1, ch. 2004-322; s. 48, ch. 2004-357; s. 1, ch. 2019-119.
Note.—Former s. 446.06.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXI - Labor › Chapter 446 - Job Training › 446.041 - Duties of the Department.

446.041 Duties of the department.—The department shall:
(1) Administer ss. 446.011-446.092.
(2) Administer the standards established by the department.
(3) Register in accordance with this chapter any apprenticeship or preapprenticeship program, regardless of affiliation, which meets standards established by the department.
(4) Investigate complaints concerning the failure of any registered program to meet the standards established by the department.
(5) Cancel the registration of any program that fails to comply with the standards and policies of the department or that unreasonably fails or refuses to cooperate with the department in monitoring and enforcing compliance with the standards.
(6) Develop and encourage apprenticeship programs.
(7) Lead and coordinate outreach efforts to educate veterans about apprenticeship and career opportunities.
(8) Cooperate with and assist local apprenticeship sponsors in the development of their apprenticeship standards and training requirements.
(9) Encourage registered apprenticeship programs to grant consideration and credit to individuals completing registered preapprenticeship programs.
(10) Monitor registered apprenticeship programs to ensure that they are being operated in compliance with all applicable standards.
(11) Supervise all apprenticeship programs that are registered with the department.
(12) Ensure that minority and gender diversity are considered in administering this program.
(13) Adopt rules required to administer ss. 446.011-446.092.
History.—s. 4, ch. 23934, 1947; s. 3, ch. 28037, 1953; s. 1, ch. 63-153; s. 19, ch. 63-400; ss. 17, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 168, ch. 71-377; s. 3, ch. 72-113; s. 1, ch. 73-283; s. 56, ch. 73-338; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 11, ch. 78-95; s. 32, ch. 79-7; s. 4, ch. 79-397; s. 21, ch. 83-174; s. 5, ch. 85-75; s. 10, ch. 95-345; s. 17, ch. 97-98; s. 36, ch. 97-307; s. 21, ch. 98-58; s. 115, ch. 2000-165; s. 4, ch. 2004-322; s. 5, ch. 2018-7; s. 15, ch. 2021-164.
Note.—Former s. 446.09.