TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—CareerSource Florida’s Board of Directors convened for its January meeting to advance key workforce policy priorities, approving key policy updates, highlighting partner collaboration during Workforce Day at the Capitol, and sharing new resources that demonstrate the workforce system’s impact for Floridians and businesses across the state.
“The CareerSource Florida Board of Directors continues to advance policies and partnerships that strengthen Florida’s workforce system and support the state’s economic growth,” said Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida. “Through collaborative policy development, strategic investments, and strong alignment with employers and economic development partners, we are ensuring consistency across our network while expanding access to high-quality training and career opportunities—driving measurable results for Floridians and helping businesses build the talent they need to succeed.”
CareerSource Florida Board Meeting at Tallahassee State College
As part of the meeting, the Board approved several policy revisions aimed at improving statewide consistency across the CareerSource Florida Network. The policy updates were developed through statewide collaboration, including consultation with local workforce development boards and coordination with FloridaCommerce and key partners, including the Florida Workforce Development Association. Among the policies approved was the Workforce Policy O125 – Business Partnerships, Employer Engagement and Economic Development Support, CareerSource Florida’s first policy focused specifically on business engagement and economic development. The policy establishes clear expectations for how local workforce development boards engage with economic development organizations, coordinate with regional partners, and align workforce services with regional needs to help communities attract, grow, and retain businesses.
The Board also approved revisions to Workforce Policy P74 – Individual Training Account Expenditure Requirements and Waiver Process, which clarifies requirements for budgeting, allocating, and reporting Individual Training Accounts (ITAs). The updates include expanded guidance on co-enrolled participants, updated waiver criteria, and a new simplified waiver option for high-performing local workforce development boards that meet defined thresholds and demonstrate progress in allowable training areas.
Other approved policies include:
- Workforce Policy G104 – Sanctions and Other Required Corrective Actions for Local Workforce Development Boards Who Fail to Meet Federal and State Standards
- Workforce Policy G105 – Composition and Certification of Local Workforce Development Boards; Certification of One-Stop Systems and Boards, and Direct Service Provider Designation
The Board also heard from local workforce development board leaders during a business engagement panel moderated by CareerSource Florida Business Services Consultant and Project Leader, Nilda Blanco, featuring Rick Beasley of CareerSource South Florida, Cheryl Taylor of CareerSource Northeast Florida, Josh Matlock of CareerSource Suncoast, and April Torregiante of CareerSource Tampa Bay. Panelists shared how their local boards are working directly with employers and economic development partners to better understand regional talent needs and deliver customized solutions, including targeted recruitment, upskilling, work-based learning, and connections to training aligned with in-demand industries. The discussion highlighted the unique role of local workforce boards as conveners at the intersection of workforce, education, and industry, and emphasized a continued focus on consistent, high-quality business services statewide to help employers recruit, train, and retain skilled talent while supporting job creation and economic growth.
During the meeting, CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston highlighted the previous day’s second annual Workforce Day at the Capitol, hosted in partnership with FloridaCommerce, which celebrated Florida’s workforce development and economic success. The event featured roundtable discussions among state, workforce, and education leaders on the evolving landscape of apprenticeships and economic development in Florida. Participants included representatives from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), SelectFlorida, Seminole State College of Florida, Space Florida, and more.
CareerSource Florida also shared the release of its FY 2024–2025 Annual Report, highlighting statewide outcomes and the workforce system’s continued efforts to connect Floridians to opportunity at record levels.
Key Highlights include:
- More than 80,000 businesses served—a 60% increase since FY 2022–2023.
- Significant growth in job placements, including in high-demand industries.
- Thousands of veterans, young adults, and individuals facing barriers connected to personalized services.
- An average annual wage increase of $15,500 among individuals served by the workforce system.
- More than 30,200 Floridians transitioning off public assistance, supporting sustained economic mobility.
CareerSource Florida also highlighted the FY 2024–2025 WIOA Annual Statewide Performance Report, now available on CareerSource Florida’s Reports and Publications webpage. The report reflects systemwide outcomes achieved under Florida’s WIOA Combined Plan, supports the REACH Act, and underscores annual statewide investments addressing the employment and training needs of job seekers, workers, and businesses.
During FY 2024–2025, CareerSource Florida provided direction for more than $216.8 million in annual workforce investments to support workforce priorities across the state.
Additionally, the Board received an overview from FloridaCommerce on the next phase of the federal Opportunity Zones program, often referred to as “Opportunity Zones 2.0.” Under the updated framework, Opportunity Zones will be refreshed every 10 years beginning in 2026, allowing governors to nominate new qualifying areas based on updated economic conditions. Revised eligibility criteria are expected to focus incentives more directly on communities with lower incomes and higher poverty rates, while providing greater long-term certainty for investors and communities. FloridaCommerce is currently gathering input from local partners, with newly designated zones anticipated to take effect in 2027 following federal review.
CareerSource Florida continues to work closely with its network of local workforce development boards and statewide partners to strengthen Florida’s talent pipeline, connect businesses with skilled workers, and expand access to high-quality training and career opportunities for Floridians.
###
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.