Tallahassee, FL — May 21, 2025 —The CareerSource Florida Board of Directors convened last week to advance the state’s workforce priorities, approving key funding allocations and finalizing strategic policies for the upcoming fiscal year. The two-day series of meetings and events underscored Florida’s commitment to building a skilled, resilient workforce that is aligned with the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
“CareerSource Florida is committed to advancing workforce priorities through strategic investment and forward-focused policies,” said Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida. “By aligning resources with statewide initiatives and enhancing services across our network, we’re ensuring that job seekers, businesses, and communities have the tools and support they need to thrive.”
A key highlight of the meeting was the Board’s approval of funding allocations for the upcoming fiscal year, including more than $111.9 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds and $38.3 million in Wagner-Peyser Act. The Board designated 15% of WIOA funding, a total of $16.8 million for state-level set-aside initiatives focused on expanding talent development opportunities, strengthening workforce system alignment, and supporting priority populations across the state. These efforts reflect the CareerSource Florida Network’s dedication to innovation in service delivery and responsiveness to labor market needs.
Approved set-aside investments include:
- $3 million to the Incumbent Worker Training Program to provide training for existing employees in Florida businesses to help close skills gaps and increase competitiveness and employee retention.
- $3 million to the Sectors of Strategic Focus Training Initiative to support training and targeted industry sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics, with a focus on Hope Florida participants, veterans, and incumbent workers needing to upskill.
- $2 million to Rural Initiatives focused on expanding workforce services and resources in Florida’s designated Rural Areas of Opportunity, helping to meet critical talent and infrastructure needs in underserved and economically challenged regions.
- $750,000 to Advancing Florida’s Workforce System to support systemwide improvements across all 21 CareerSource Florida Local Workforce Development Boards, including regional planning, data and outcome tracking enhancements, and policy modernization across the CareerSource Florida network.
- $750,000 to Youth Career Exploration to pilot career exploration and work-based learning initiatives aligned with Florida Sector-Based Training Initiatives to expose high school students from high–poverty areas to career opportunities in high growth industries.
“We’re focused on making decisions that translate into meaningful outcomes for Floridians,” said Stephanie Smith, Chair of the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors. “Each discussion is an opportunity to elevate community priorities and strengthen a workforce system that delivers real, lasting impact across the state.”
Following the Finance and Strategic Policy and Performance Council meetings on Tuesday, members observed a panel discussion hosted by CareerSource Southwest Florida, spotlighting regional recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian. FloridaCommerce Secretary Alex Kelly opened the session by highlighting enhanced state resources and support available to communities after natural disasters. Panelists shared how CareerSource Southwest Florida’s targeted job placement, grant support, and upskilling initiatives were instrumental in helping businesses reopen, individuals return to work, and the region recover.
As Florida continues to grow and evolve, the CareerSource Florida network remains focused on strengthening the state’s talent pipeline, supporting economic resilience, and ensuring every Floridian has the opportunity to succeed in a dynamic workforce.
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ABOUT CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA
CareerSource Florida, with its business-led board of directors, provides policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Florida Department of Commerce (FloridaCommerce), Florida’s 21 local workforce development boards, and their 117 career centers. The CareerSource Florida Board of Directors serves as the Governor’s principal workforce policy and investment board, working in partnership with FloridaCommerce, which is responsible for the state workforce system’s fiscal and administrative affairs, and local workforce development boards that serve Florida’s businesses and career seekers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity.