Employment Overview

Metro Orlando, one of the 10 fastest growing major employment markets in the country, is projected to lead in employment growth through the year 2010. It has a large, young and well educated labor force.

Orange County leads the state in projected employment growth with predicted new jobs at 231,600. It has a civilian labor force of 715,000 and a median age of 34.5 years.

Local employees and relocating workers benefit from training programs at local vo-tech schools and area colleges.

Graduates from local universities and colleges are filling the areas top jobs in business, communications, engineering and computer sciences. There are more than 200,000 workers with college, postgraduate and specialty degrees in various fields working in the Metro Orlando region according to the 1996 Scarborough Report.

Union activity is minimal in the region. It is estimated that only about 5% of the manufacturing labor force in Florida is unionized. Florida is by law a "Right to Work" state.

Unemployment Compensation

Two primary conditions under which a company must pay into the reserve fund for unemployment insurance are:

1. Quarterly payroll of at least $1,500.
2. Employing one or more people for 20 weeks of the year.

During the Annual Events year, the first $7,000 of wages paid to each employee is taxable for unemployment insurance. The rate for new employers is 2.7%. The rate remains in effect until the employer reports in a timely fashion for 10 quarters. The maximum rate allowed by law is 5.4 percent. The average weekly benefit amount of compensation is equal to one-half of the employee's average weekly wages, not to exceed $250.

Workers Compensation

Florida states that any employer with four or more employees, in all industries but construction, is required to have workers compensation insurance coverage for all employees.

Owners, sole proprietors, partners and independent contractors are not considered employees therefore are not provided for under the Florida Workers Compensation law, unless they choose to be covered by filing with the Bureau of Compliance.

Former Governor Chiles and the Florida Legislature passed landmark reforms to the workers compensation system in November 1993. These changes:

• help control costs,
• streamline medical benefits,
• limit the influence of special interests,
• return workers compensation to its original purpose

to protect Florida workers and businesses. The bill reduces litigation, streamlines medical benefits, modifies indemnity benefits, improves insurance regulation, confronts fraud and abuse and enhances safety.

For more information contact the:
Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida
407-422-7159