Felon Friendly Jobs in Florida | Second Chance
According to a 2023 report by the Prison Policy Initiative, roughly one in seven adults in Florida has a felony conviction. This statistic translates to millions of Floridians facing unique challenges in re-entering the workforce.
Fortunately, the Sunshine State offers a growing number of “second chance” employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records.
Latest Posted Jobs in Florida for felons May 2024
Searching for ‘no background check jobs near me‘ and living in Florida? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons in the state. Residents of Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale, Tallahassee, Hollywood, or any other city in Florida should apply for the positions mentioned below.
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to secure your position.
Is Florida a Felon-Friendly State?
Yes, Florida is a felon-friendly state, offering numerous opportunities for individuals with a criminal record to rebuild their lives. Through the Florida Department of Corrections “Gain Time” initiative, felons can access free grants such as the Federal Pell Grant and state-specific grants for further education and vocational training.
Florida also provides second-chance apartments and various support services for affordable housing. With the approval of Amendment 4 in 2018, most felons who have completed their sentences have had their voting rights automatically restored. Overall, Florida’s supportive measures in employment, education, housing, voting rights, occupational licensing, and record expungement make it a leader in criminal justice reform and rehabilitation.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Places that Hire Felons in FL
Several companies and organizations in Florida hire felons. Below, I mention a few career opportunities for convicted felons in Florida, and you can check their websites and try to approach them. I’ve included a link for each resource for easy access.
Construction
Jobs such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, and electrical work often provide opportunities for felons to gain employment, especially in regions experiencing growth in construction projects.
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Transportation & Logistics
Some companies in the transportation sector, including trucking and delivery services, usually hire felons, especially for non-driving roles.
- American Trucking Associations (ATA)
Manufacturing
Factories and manufacturing plants in industries like food processing, electronics, and automotive assembly may hire individuals with criminal records for various roles.
- National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): In FL they are advocates for second chance employment in manufacturing
Customer Service
Many companies have call centers in Florida that hire individuals with criminal records for customer service and telemarketing roles.
- American Customer Service Association (ACSA): They offer resources for building customer service skills. You can check their Linkedin and try to approach them.
Hospitality & Tourism
Restaurants, hotels, and catering companies frequently hire felons for positions such as cooks, servers, dishwashers, and housekeepers.
- American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA): They promotes workforce development initiatives
- Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA): They advocate for fair hiring practices in the hospitality industry.
Retail and Sales
Retail stores, both large chains and small businesses, often hire felons for customer service, stocking, and cashier positions.
Landscaping and Groundskeeping
Jobs in landscaping, lawn care, and groundskeeping are often available and can provide a steady income for individuals with felony convictions.
Skilled Trades
- National Association of State Apprenticeship Directors : They connects job seekers with apprenticeship programs
- Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship provides information on finding apprenticeship programs
Companies
These are the top best companies that provide second chance employment in florida.You can search for companies with “second chance” hiring initiatives using online job boards like:
- Second Chance Jobs
- The National HIRE Network
- Publix
- Walt Disney World
- Winn-Dixie
Resources for Felons Seeking Employment in FL
Finding jobs can be really challenging for felons, but we have compiled a few very authentic resources to help you find jobs more quickly. All of these resources are dedicated to helping individuals with criminal records reenter the workforce.
CareerSource Florida
CareerSource Florida operates workforce development centers across the state that provide job search assistance, skills training, and other support services for job seekers, including those with criminal records.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)
The DEO offers reemployment assistance programs and resources for job seekers, including those with barriers to employment such as criminal records.
Local Reentry Programs
Many communities in Florida have reentry programs that provide job training, counseling, and other services specifically for individuals with criminal records.
Job Fairs and Hiring Events
Attending job fairs and hiring events can be a good way for felons to connect with employers who are open to hiring individuals with criminal records.
Online Job Boards
Websites such as Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder have job listings from employers who are willing to hire individuals with criminal records.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) provides services to help individuals with disabilities, including those with criminal records, prepare for, find, and maintain employment
Abe Brown Ministry
A faith-based program in Tampa that has created a 12-month program called the “Transitional Living Program” which provides safe and appropriate housing, assistance in locating suitable employment and a mentoring program to help the ex-offender prepare to rejoin society.
Ready4Work
This program is designed to help ex-offenders successfully re-enter society by utilizing a whole person approach. Participants are provided with case management services and receive life coaching as part of the program; they will also participate in job training and ultimately receive assistance with job placement.
Second chance Jobs oppertunity areas in Florida
- Orlando , FL, USA
- Miami, FL, USA
- Tampa, FL, USA
- Orlando, FL, USA
- Jacksonville, FL, USA
- St. Petersburg, FL, USA
- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Tallahassee, FL, USA
- Cape Coral, FL, USA
- Hialeah, FL, USA
- Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
- Hollywood, FL, USA
- Miramar, FL, USA
- Gainesville, FL, USA
- Coral Springs, FL, USA
- Clearwater, FL, USA
- Palm Bay, FL, USA
- West Palm Beach, FL, USA
- Lakeland, FL, USA
- Pompano Beach, FL, USA
- Miami Gardens, FL, USA
- Daytona Beach, FL, USA
- Deltona, FL, USA
- Boca Raton, FL, USA
- Sunrise, FL, USA
- Plantation, FL, USA
- Largo, FL, USA
- Melbourne, FL, USA
- Palm Coast, FL, USA
- Deerfield Beach, FL, USA
Legal Protections and Incentives for Employers
Employers in Florida who hire felons may be eligible for legal protections and incentives, including:
- Federal Bonding Program
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
- Florida Rehabilitation Tax Credit
- Legal protections under the Florida Human Rights Law
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Florida offers a range of opportunities for individuals with criminal records seeking employment. By leveraging the available resources, programs, and support systems, individuals can navigate the job market effectively and secure meaningful employment opportunities in various industries across the state.
FAQs
Yes, industries like construction, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, transportation, and food services are more likely to hire individuals with a criminal record in Delaware.
Individuals with a criminal record can improve their chances of finding employment by obtaining job readiness training, leveraging support programs, and highlighting rehabilitation efforts.
Yes, programs like the APEX Program, Delaware Center for Justice, and Job Centers at Delaware Libraries help felons find job opportunities.
Yes, employers in Delaware typically conduct background checks on job applicants.
Individuals with a criminal record have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Delaware’s Ban-the-Box law when applying for jobs.
Yes, felons in Delaware can have their criminal records expunged or sealed to improve their job prospects.
Restrictions depend on the nature of the felony and the job duties; some positions may be off-limits due to specific legal or safety requirements.
Individuals should address their past honestly, focus on their rehabilitation, and highlight skills and experiences relevant to the job.
Individuals should address their past honestly, focus on their rehabilitation, and highlight skills and experiences relevant to the job.
Yes, there are success stories of felons finding stable employment in Delaware, often shared through local support programs and community organizations.
