Felon Friendly Jobs in Florida
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Florida offers exceptional second-chance employment driven by the nation's third-largest economy ($1.4 trillion GDP), booming tourism industry (Walt Disney World, Universal, cruise lines hosting 140+ million annual visitors), I-4 corridor logistics hub (Amazon, Walmart, Target mega-centers), year-round construction, Cape Canaveral space industry (SpaceX, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin), and no state income tax attracting Fortune 500 headquarters. Major metros—Orlando (theme parks, tech), Tampa (healthcare, finance), Miami (international trade), Jacksonville (port logistics)—create diverse job markets. Entry-level positions start at $12/hour (2024 minimum, rising to $15 by 2026), with competitive employers paying $15-18/hour now. Skilled trades reach $50,000-90,000+ annually. Florida's Certificate of Restoration of Civil Rights (Amendment 4) automatically restores voting rights upon sentence completion for most felons, demonstrating civic reintegration to employers.
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Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Florida
Florida's unique position as a corporate haven, Southeast logistics hub, and coastal tourism destination creates substantial employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals seeking to rebuild careers. The Sunshine State's business-friendly policies have attracted over 60% of Fortune 500 companies to incorporate here, while its strategic I-4 corridor location makes it a distribution powerhouse serving the densely populated Southeast and Caribbean, DC.
Florida's economy spans diverse sectors: tourism concentrated in Orlando (theme park operations for major banks), massive distribution and logistics operations throughout Central Florida, aerospace and tourism (Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX), cruise line operations in Southwest Florida, and robust coastal tourism from Clearwater to Miami Beach. This diversity provides multiple entry points across skill levels and backgrounds.
Florida's progressive approach to criminal justice includes automatic Certificate of Restoration of Civil Rights (Amendment 4, 2018) restoring voting rights upon sentence completion for most felons, record sealing procedures under Fla. Stat. 943.0585/943.059, and state government ban-the-box (some local ordinances in Miami-Dade and Tampa). Florida spans 500+ miles from Pensacola to Key West across five distinct regions. The $12 minimum wage (2024, rising to $13 in 2025 and $15 by 2026) provides baseline income, with competitive markets already paying $15-18/hour for warehouse and service positions. Major employers including Amazon (20+ fulfillment centers), HCA Florida Healthcare (46 hospitals), Walt Disney World (75,000+ employees), Publix (850+ stores), and numerous distribution centers actively hire individuals with criminal records for appropriate positions.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Florida
Florida's $12 minimum wage provides baseline income, with competitive employers paying $16-19/hour for entry-level positions to attract workers in tight labor market.
Warehouse & Distribution
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Major facilities in Jacksonville (JAX3, JAX7), Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Lakeland. Fulfillment associates: $17-19/hour. Day-one healthcare, 401(k), education benefits up to $5,250 annually. Multiple shifts with overnight differential.
Walmart Distribution Center - Fort Lauderdale mega-facility. Warehouse workers: $17-20/hour. Excellent benefits, profit-sharing, 401(k) match. Massive employer with constant hiring.
Target Distribution - Jacksonville facility. Workers: $16-19/hour. Comprehensive benefits, tuition reimbursement. Strong promotion culture.
Darden Restaurants - Headquartered in Orlando; operates Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, and other restaurants. Servers: $13-16/hour plus tips. Management roles: $45,000-70,000. Benefits and employee discounts. Major Florida employer.
UPS Hub - Jacksonville facility. Package handlers: $17-19/hour with annual raises. Teamsters union benefits including pension, healthcare, $25,000 tuition assistance.
Healthcare Support
HCA Florida Healthcare - Florida's largest employer. Environmental services, food service, patient transport: $15-19/hour. Union (AFSCME) and non-union positions. Fair-chance for support roles.
Tampa General Hospital - Major Tampa healthcare system. Support services: $14-18/hour. Benefits for full-time. Multiple Tampa Bay locations.
Baptist Health South Florida - Southwest Florida system. Non-clinical support: $14-17/hour. Beach area location. Seasonal surge during summer.
Food Service & Hospitality
Walt Disney World - Theme park operations, attractions, food service, and housekeeping roles. Production workers: $14-17/hour. Major Southwest Florida employer. Benefits, overtime opportunities. Physical work.
Universal Orlando Resort - Theme park operations, attractions, food service, and housekeeping roles. Theme park team members. Orlando operations. Starting $14-16/hour with shift differentials.
Beach Resort Hotels - Clearwater, Miami Beach, Key West, Naples beaches. Housekeeping, food service, maintenance: $14-18/hour. Seasonal work May-September, some year-round.
Chipotle - Crew members: $14-16/hour. Free degrees through Guild Education. Management track. Multiple Florida locations.
Publix - Florida-based convenience chain. Associates: $14-17/hour. Benefits even part-time. 40+ Florida locations. Known for promoting from within.
Retail
Winn-Dixie - Dominant Florida grocery. Clerks, stockers: $15-18/hour. Union positions (UFCW). 20+ stores statewide.
ShopRite - Grocery chain. Similar wages and benefits. Union (UFCW). Multiple locations.
Florida Mall Retailers - Major shopping center Orlando area. Various stores hiring: $13-16/hour. Apple Store, Target, Nordstrom, many more.
Home Depot/Lowe's - Associates: $15-17/hour. Tuition reimbursement, advancement. Multiple Florida locations.
Top 20 Florida Employers Hiring Felons
These Florida companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented fair hiring practices.
Amazon (Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Orlando)
Associates: $17-19/hour
Managers: $55,000-85,000
Day-one benefits. Evaluates convictions over 7 years.
HCA Florida Healthcare (Statewide)
Support services: $15-19/hour
RNs: $65,000-90,000
Florida's largest employer. Fair-chance for non-clinical.
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Walmart Distribution Fort Lauderdale
Warehouse: $17-20/hour
Supervisors: $50,000-75,000
Massive facility with excellent benefits.
SeaWorld Orlando
Theme park operations: $14-17/hour
Marine park attractions, shows, animal care support.
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Universal Orlando Resort (Fort Myers) - Theme Park team members.
Production: $14-16/hour
Maintenance: $20-28/hour
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Target (Jacksonville DC + Stores)
Team members: $15-17/hour
Distribution center and retail. Fair-chance hiring.
Darden Restaurants (Orlando HQ) - Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze restaurants.
Servers: $13-16/hour plus tips
Management: $45,000-70,000
Florida-headquartered restaurant company.
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Carnival Cruise Line (Orlando) - Credit card operations.
Customer service: $16-20/hour
Operations: $18-25/hour
Case-by-case for non-financial crimes.
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JetBlue Airways (Orlando) - Similar operations to Chase.
Credit card center. Fair evaluation for appropriate roles.
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AdventHealth (Orlando) - Credit card operations.
Customer service and back-office: $17-22/hour.
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Lockheed Martin (Orlando) - Chemical manufacturing.
Operators: $22-32/hour
Engineers: $75,000-110,000
Legacy Florida employer.
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SpaceX (Cape Canaveral) - Pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Lab techs: $45,000-65,000
Production: $20-28/hour
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Publix (Statewide) - 40+ Florida stores.
Associates: $14-17/hour
Store managers: $50,000-75,000
Florida-based company.
Tampa General Hospital (Tampa, Naples)
Support services: $14-18/hour
Major Tampa Bay Area employer.
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Baptist Health South Florida (Key West)
Support roles: $14-17/hour
Southwest Florida healthcare system.
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Tampa Downs Casino
Gaming, hospitality, food service: $14-19/hour
State gaming commission background checks.
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Busch Gardens Tampa - Similar to Tampa Downs. Orlando location.
Various positions.
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Winn-Dixie (Statewide) - 20+ stores.
Clerks: $15-18/hour. Union (UFCW)
Store managers: $55,000-80,000
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Goodwill Industries Florida
Retail: $14-16/hour
Mission-driven second-chance employer with support services.
Florida State Government - Various agencies.
Support positions: $14-20/hour
Ban-the-box for state jobs.
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Felon-Friendly Jobs by Florida City
Florida's five major regions create distinct job markets—North Florida (Jacksonville, Tallahassee) for logistics and insurance, Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa) for tourism and healthcare, South Florida (Miami) for international trade and hospitality, Southwest Florida (Fort Myers, Naples) for retiree healthcare and construction, and the Panhandle (Pensacola, Panama City) for military and tourism.
Orlando (Central Florida)
State's largest city. Corporate headquarters, financial services, healthcare, distribution.
Carnival Cruise Line/JetBlue Airways - $16-25/hour
HCA Florida - $15-19/hour support
Amazon Jacksonville - $17-19/hour
Lockheed Martin - $22-32/hour
SpaceX - $20-28/hour production
Miami
College town (University of Central Florida), Florida Mall shopping district, distribution.
Florida Mall Retailers - $13-17/hour
Orlando Health - $15-19/hour
University of Florida Support - $14-18/hour
Winn-Dixie - $15-18/hour
Publix Stores - $14-17/hour
Tampa/St. Petersburg
State capital. Government, Air Force base, distribution, manufacturing.
Florida State Government - $14-20/hour (ban-the-box)
Tampa Air Force Base Contractors - $15-22/hour various
Tampa General Tampa - $14-18/hour
Tampa Downs Casino - $14-19/hour
Kraft Heinz Tampa - $18-25/hour production
Jacksonville
Fastest-growing area. Major distribution hub with massive warehouses.
Walmart Distribution Fort Lauderdale - $17-20/hour
Amazon Jacksonville - $17-19/hour
Target Distribution - $16-19/hour
Chewy Fulfillment - $16-18/hour
Various Logistics Companies - $15-20/hour
Southwest Florida (Fort Myers, Naples)
Agriculture, cruise line operations, coastal tourism. More affordable than north.
Walt Disney World Naples - $14-17/hour
Universal Orlando Resort Fort Myers - $14-16/hour
Beach Resort Hotels - $14-18/hour seasonal
Baptist Health South Florida Key West - $14-17/hour
Retail/Food Service - $13-16/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Florida
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Florida.
Skilled Trades & Manufacturing
Union Electrician (IBEW) - Florida apprenticeships. Apprentices: $38,000-48,000. Journeyman electricians: $65,000-85,000. IBEW Local 606 (Orlando) offers four-year paid apprenticeship.
Plumber/Pipefitter - Union apprenticeships. Journeymen: $60,000-80,000. Strong demand in Florida's aging infrastructure and new construction.
Industrial Maintenance Technician - Chemical plants, food processing: $50,000-75,000. Strong mechanical/electrical skills valuable. Florida Technical Community College offers training.
Chemical Plant Operator - Lockheed Martin operations: $55,000-80,000. Requires training but excellent wages. Legacy Florida industry.
HVAC Technician - Year-round work. Experienced techs: $45,000-70,000. EPA certification required. Florida Tech offers programs.
Transportation & CDL
CDL Class A Drivers - Local delivery routes serving Southeast corridor: $55,000-75,000. OTR: $50,000-70,000. Florida's I-4 corridor position creates strong demand.
Waste Management Drivers - Refuse collection: $45,000-65,000. Union benefits. Physical work but stable employment with benefits.
PortMiami Operations - Longshoremen, equipment operators: $50,000-85,000. ILA union. Competitive but excellent pay once in.
Healthcare & Technical
LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse) - After obtaining license: $48,000-62,000. Florida nursing programs evaluate applicants with records individually. 12-18 month training.
Pharmacy Technician - With certification: $35,000-48,000. Florida Tech offers programs. CVS, Walgreens, hospitals hire.
IT Help Desk/Support - Entry IT: $38,000-52,000. CompTIA A+ certification key. Financial services and healthcare in Orlando hire heavily.
Warehouse Advancement
Warehouse Supervisors - After proving yourself: $45,000-65,000. Amazon, Walmart, Target promote from within. Start as associate, advance to team lead, then supervisor over 2-3 years.
Florida Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Florida offers progressive support for justice-impacted job seekers through accessible restoration of civil rights process and automatic record sealing provisions.
Restoration of Rights and Record Sealing in Florida
Florida Clemency Board grants restoration of civil rights restoring rights and facilitating employment. Automatic record sealing available for certain convictions.
• Restoration of Rights Eligibility: Generally 3-5 years after sentence completion. Applies to misdemeanors and felonies.
• Automatic Record Sealing: Florida automatically expunges certain convictions after waiting periods—some misdemeanors after 3 years, some felonies after 7 years.
• Petition Record Sealing: Can petition for record sealing of eligible convictions through Circuit Court. You must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) before filing your petition in Circuit Court.
• Effect: Restoration of Rights/expunged convictions generally cannot be used to deny private employment. Public records no longer show expunged convictions.
Ban-the-Box (State Employment)
Florida has NO statewide ban-the-box law for private employers. However: (1) State government positions have ban-the-box (cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications), (2) Some local jurisdictions have ordinances—Miami-Dade County and City of Tampa have local ban-the-box for government contractors and some private employers with 10+ employees, (3) Many large private employers (Disney, Amazon, Publix, Walmart) voluntarily adopted fair-chance hiring policies. Always check individual employer and local policies.
7-Year FCRA Rule
Federal FCRA limits reporting of arrests to 7 years, but convictions can be reported indefinitely. Jobs over $75,000 exempt from 7-year rule. Florida provides no additional state protections beyond federal FCRA, making record sealing particularly valuable.
Additional Resources
Florida Department of Labor - American Job Centers - Free employment services. Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers locations.
Florida Technical Community College - Workforce training programs. Financial aid available. Multiple campuses statewide.
Goodwill Industries of Florida - Job training, placement, and support services for individuals with barriers.
Community Legal Aid Society - Free legal assistance including record sealing help for low-income individuals.
Florida Reentry Coalition - Support services, housing assistance, employment connections for formerly incarcerated.
Staffing Agencies in Florida That Work With Felons
Florida staffing agencies specialize in placing justice-impacted individuals, particularly in warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial sectors.
PeopleReady - Orlando, Tampa offices. Daily pay available. Light industrial, warehousing, construction. Known for second-chance focus.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Florida locations. Same-day pay. General labor, warehouse. Case-by-case evaluation.
Express Employment Professionals - Orlando area. Light industrial, administrative, skilled trades. Works with WOTC.
Kelly Services - Florida presence. Office, industrial, technical. Corporate fair-chance policy.
Manpower - Manufacturing, warehouse, office. Benefits available for temps. Florida operations.
Adecco Staffing - Orlando area. Wide industry range. Reviews criminal history in context.
Randstad - Florida offices. Manufacturing, warehouse, logistics. Fair-chance evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far back do background checks go in Florida?
Florida follows federal FCRA: arrests without conviction limited to 7 years, but convictions can be reported indefinitely. Jobs over $75,000 exempt from 7-year rule. Record Sealing provides best protection.
Q2: Does Florida have a ban-the-box policies (some local jurisdictions only - no statewide private employer law)?
Florida's ban-the-box applies to state government positions only. Private employers not covered by state law. Some positions may have additional protections.
Q3: Can I get a restoration of civil rights or record sealing in Florida?
Yes. Florida Clemency Board grants restoration of civil rights 3-5 years after sentence completion. Automatic record sealing available for certain convictions. Petition record sealing through Circuit Court for eligible cases—you must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) before filing in Circuit Court.
Q4: What companies in Florida hire felons?
Major employers include Amazon, Walmart, Target, Chewy, HCA Florida, Walt Disney World, Universal, Carnival Cruise Line, JetBlue Airways, Publix, Goodwill, and many more. Warehousing, healthcare support, tourism, retail most accessible.
Q5: Will Amazon hire me with a felony in Florida?
Yes. Amazon has multiple Florida fulfillment centers (Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Orlando area). Evaluates convictions over 7 years old. Warehouse positions most accessible. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q6: Can I work in cruise line operations with a felony?
Yes. Walt Disney World (Naples) and Universal Orlando Resort (Fort Myers) are major Southwest Florida employers actively hiring individuals with criminal records. Production work: $14-17/hour. Physical but steady employment with benefits and overtime.
Q7: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Florida?
Union electricians ($65,000-85,000), plumbers ($60,000-80,000), chemical plant operators ($55,000-80,000), CDL drivers ($50,000-75,000), LPN nurses ($48,000-62,000), industrial maintenance techs ($50,000-75,000), warehouse supervisors ($45,000-65,000).
Q8: Can I get CDL with a felony in Florida?
Yes. Florida allows CDL for individuals with felonies. Certain convictions (DUI, violent crimes) may create restrictions. Many Florida companies hire CDL drivers with records: waste management, delivery, logistics serving Southeast corridor.
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Florida job applications?
If application asks about criminal history, answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. State government positions have ban-the-box. Private employers may ask. Be prepared to discuss honestly, focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned. Expunged convictions don't require disclosure.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Florida for felons?
Yes. American Job Centers offer free training referrals. Florida Technical Community College provides workforce development with financial aid. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, UA) offer paid training. Goodwill Industries provides job training and placement services.
Next Steps: Your Florida Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed for Florida justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Assess Your Record and Record Sealing Eligibility
Obtain Florida criminal record from State Bureau of Identification. Review for accuracy. Determine restoration of civil rights eligibility (generally 3-5 years after sentence completion). Check if convictions qualify for automatic record sealing. Consider petition record sealing for eligible cases. Research WOTC eligibility (hired within 1 year of conviction/release). Understanding what appears on background checks allows you to prepare appropriate explanations and target suitable employers.
Step 2: Target Fair-Chance Industries and Employers
Focus on documented fair-chance employers: warehousing/distribution (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Chewy), healthcare support (HCA Florida, Tampa General), food processing (Disney, Universal), retail (Publix), hospitality (beach resorts, casinos). Make list of 15-20 target employers based on location and skills. Research each company's hiring process. Prioritize larger employers with structured HR. Florida's diverse geography means all opportunities within 2-hour commute.
Step 3: Prepare Professional Application Materials
Create professional resume highlighting skills, experience, accomplishments. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. Include any training/education completed. Prepare brief (30-60 second) explanation of criminal record focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned—practice until comfortable. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability. Consider getting letters of recommendation.
Step 4: Apply Strategically and Leverage Resources
Submit 10-15 applications weekly minimum. Apply directly through company websites when possible. Register with American Job Centers (Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers) for free job search assistance. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies specializing in industrial/warehouse work. Visit employers in person for warehouse, tourism, hospitality where showing initiative matters. Mention WOTC eligibility to employers to increase hiring appeal. Persist through rejections—employment typically requires dozens of applications.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews and Background Checks
Practice answering questions about criminal record with honesty and confidence. Focus on what you've learned, rehabilitation steps, commitment to building stable future. Prepare specific examples of reliability, problem-solving, work ethic. Research company and role thoroughly. For positions requiring background checks, be proactive—disclose record when appropriate and provide context. Have documentation ready if needed. Dress professionally, arrive early, demonstrate dependability employers value. If criminal history becomes issue, emphasize time passed, lessons learned, skills gained. Florida's automatic record sealing and restoration of civil rights options provide pathways to clear records over time.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hiring policies vary by company, position, and circumstances. While we strive for accuracy, employment information and company policies may change. Always verify current practices directly with employers. Company inclusion does not guarantee employment. Background check laws and restoration of civil rights/record sealing procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Florida's employment laws and record relief is general in nature. Consult with Florida employment attorney or legal aid for specific legal advice about your situation.
© 2025 Second Chance Employment Resources. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This guide provides general information about employment opportunities in Alabama. While we strive for accuracy, hiring policies change frequently. Always verify current hiring practices directly with employers. Individual results vary based on offense type, time since conviction, and specific job requirements. This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.