A Study of Employment of Floridians with a Disability

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A Florida Scorecard Research Project

As Florida prepares for its future workforce including the continuing retirement of baby boomers, each component of the potential workforce can contribute to the estimated 1.7 million additional jobs needed in

Florida by 2030. One component of the workforce analyzed here is the population of Floridians with disabilities.

This follow-up report to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2016 research shows:

-The employment of Floridians with a disability has increased from 347,119 in 2013 to a total of 386,739 in 2017 —that’s an increase of 39,620 people.

-Florida’s unemployment rate for people with a disability has dropped from 23.2 percent to 16.3 percent from 2013 to 2017.

-There are an estimated 2.67 million Floridians who indicate that they have a disability-13.4 percent of all Floridians. In the 18 to 64 age group — the group most likely to be in the workforce — 1.2 million Floridians indicate they have a disability.

What Others Are Saying:

Dr. Sue Homant, President & CEO, The Able Trust

“It is very important that we conduct research as a basis to consider progress and to determine what we and our partners are doing to make Florida’s workforce more inclusive for people with disabilities. This study not only shows how Florida as a whole is doing, it gives us insight into how each individual county is doing. We have a large untapped workforce resource in Florida and I urge business leaders to take some time to investigate this group. There are some really talented potential employees just waiting for an opportunity.”

Lisa Garcia, Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Sachs Media

“A driving principle at our firm is having a diverse and representative workforce. We recognize the value of our differences and understand that a diverse workforce leads to talent retention, better decision-making, and the overall success of the business.”