Workforce Quality and Government Regulations Top Concerns in Florida Chamber Small Business Survey

2018 Elections Key to Ensuring Florida Small and Local Businesses Can Continue Creating 1 Out of Every 11 New American Jobs

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (October 22, 2018) — As Florida job creators prepare to cast their vote for Florida’s next Governor, they are no doubt looking at which candidate will help strengthen Florida’s workforce and tackle government regulations – top concerns of business leaders on the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth Quarter Small Business Index Survey.

For the eighth quarter in a row, employers say finding additional skilled employees to meet open job demands is their number one concern. And small and local businesses are increasingly concerned about government regulations.

“With Florida small and local businesses creating one out of every 11 new American jobs, the Small Business Index Survey shows that job creators will be looking for a Governor that further eliminates outdated regulations and further strengthens Florida’s workforce to ensure the available 245,300 jobs in Florida can be filled with quality employees,” said Marian Johnson, Senior Vice President, Political Operation.

On the upside, 59 percent of small businesses indicated confidence in the direction that Florida is taking to make the Sunshine State a better place for businesses—up from the third quarter.

As Johnson explained, looking at the gubernatorial candidates proposed plans shows their differences, and provides a clear view of the candidates’ positions on small and local businesses.

“Preparing for the future means continuing to ensure that Florida’s economy is ready and able to create prosperity through high-paying jobs, remain globally competitive, and develop vibrant and sustainable communities,” said Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist and Director of Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation.  “As we look toward 2030, we must continue to ensure businesses have access to the qualified workforce they need to continue to create jobs, and that all Floridians can pave a path toward economic prosperity.  This quarter’s Small Business Index Survey indicates that Florida’s small businesses remain increasingly concerned about workforce quality- a concern that has been consistently ranked number one for the past eight quarters. “

The Florida Chamber’s fourth quarterly statewide Small Business Index  Survey shows small businesses are most concerned about:

• Workforce quality (26 percent),
• Government regulations (9 percent),
• Access to Capital (8 percent),
• Economic uncertainty (8 percent)
• Lawsuit abuse (6 percent),
• Taxes (6 percent),
• Healthcare costs (6 percent),

Of Florida small businesses, 48 percent of respondents expect to hire in the next six months, up from 45 percent last quarter. And 43 percent expect to make investments in plants or equipment, down from 49 percent one year ago.

“For the eighth quarter in a row, workforce quality continues to be the top concern of Florida’s small businesses, with government regulations ranking second,” said Glenda Hood, Chair of the Florida Chamber’s Small Business Council, and Founding Partner, triSect. “Florida’s economy is dependent on the small business community, and the Florida Chamber’s Small Business Council remains committed to advocating on their behalf.”

About the Survey:

The Florida Chamber’s Small Business Index Survey was conducted electronically September 6, 2018 through October 11, 2018. Thirty-nine percent of respondents employ less than five employees, while 43 percent employ five to 49 employees. Click here to view the full report.

# # #

Established in 1916 as Florida’s first statewide business advocacy organization, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations aggressively representing small and large businesses from every industry and every region. The Florida Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to secure Florida’s future. The Florida Chamber works closely with its Florida Political Operations and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.