Tallahassee, FL — This week, CareerSource Florida, in partnership with FloridaCommerce and the Florida Department of Education, hosted the second annual Workforce Day at the Capitol—gathering workforce leaders to celebrate Florida’s #1 ranking in talent attraction and advance strategies that make our workforce system the most responsive in the nation.
Leaders from across the state engaged in a day of building connections between workforce development, economic development, education, and industry. CareerSource Florida President & CEO Adrienne Johnston was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, FloridaCommerce Deputy Secretary of Economic Development Jason Mahon, Commissioner of Education Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas, Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch, Florida Chamber of Commerce President Mark Wilson, North Florida Economic Development Partnership Executive Director Jeff Hendry, and Florida Economic Development Council Chair-Elect David Coddington.
For the third consecutive year, Florida ranks #1 in the nation for attracting and developing a skilled workforce, according to Lightcast. This achievement reflects the state’s comprehensive approach to workforce training and career readiness under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership.
Florida continues to lead the way with impressive achievements including:
- #1 Economy by U.S. News & World Report in 2024 and 2025, and by CNBC for three consecutive years
- #1 in Higher Education by U.S. News & World Report for ten consecutive years
- #1 in New Business Formations—more than 4 million since 2019
- #1 for Entrepreneurship, according to The Digital Project Manager
During Workforce Day at the Capitol, the Florida Department of Education also announced new statewide apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship numbers—highlighting continued growth in hands-on, earn-and-learn pathways that prepare Floridians for high-demand careers.
“The success of Florida’s workforce system is driven by partnerships across sectors,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston. “When educators, businesses, economic developers, and state agencies work together with a shared vision, we create pathways to prosperity for every Floridian. Today demonstrated the collaborative spirit that makes our state a national model for workforce development.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has made workforce education a top priority, helping make our state the #1 economy in the nation,” said Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins. “These results reflect intentional policies focused on opportunity and real outcomes. We will continue expanding opportunity to keep Florida the best place to live, work, and build a future.”
“Florida’s #1 ranking for attracting and developing a skilled workforce did not happen by accident—it is the direct result of Governor DeSantis’ vision to make Florida the premier state to work, live and raise a family,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Through strategic investments in high demand target sectors like advanced manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, semiconductors and life sciences, Florida has created workforce education opportunities and policies that give job creators confidence—ensuring communities across the state have the tools they need to drive economic opportunity.”
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has invested more than $12 billion in workforce education to prepare students for high-wage, in-demand careers,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Through strong collaboration with CareerSource Florida and FloridaCommerce, we are expanding apprenticeships, strengthening career pathways and increasing access to hands-on training. Workforce Day at the Capitol showcases how Florida’s workforce education programs deliver real results and provide a national model for other states.”
CareerSource Florida and FloridaCommerce help Floridians find meaningful career opportunities and assist businesses with developing talent pipelines across in-demand industries. This partnership helps create the workforce infrastructure that positions Florida communities for long-term economic success.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, Workforce Day at the Capitol 2026 reinforced Florida’s ongoing commitment to workforce innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and quality training that leads to meaningful employment.
For more information about CareerSource Florida’s workforce programs and services, visit www.careersourceflorida.com.
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ABOUT CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA
CareerSource Florida equips local workforce development boards with policy guidance and resources so they can support businesses and job seekers on a journey toward economic empowerment. As directed by its business-led Board of Directors appointed by the governor, CareerSource Florida works in partnership with the state agencies and educational institutions that make up Florida’s workforce development system. Learn more at careersourceflorida.com.