It’s time to prioritize the interests of American workers and small businesses.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Florida has always been a top destination for Americans moving to a new state, but the population has exploded since the pandemic.

Between 2021 and 2022, Florida was the fastest-growing state in the country, increasing its population by 1.9%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Domestic migration has accounted for 318,855 of Florida’s net migration in 2022 — the largest gain of any state.

Yet, despite two years of nationwide economic hardship, inflation, and labor shortages, Florida has been a haven for those seeking reprieve from these challenges.

Florida’s leadership has an opportunity to pass legislation regarding universal occupational licensing, which would help our new residents, businesses, and military spouses.

Occupational licensing refers to the credentialing process many jobseekers, small businesses, and self employed individuals must navigate to practice their trade or craft. Licensing does not just apply to high stakes jobs but also to occupations such as notaries and cosmetologists.

The problem is each state has its own licensing process, tests, and requirements. This often makes any out-of-state occupational license invalid and forces highly skilled workers to sit on the sidelines while they go back through a lengthy re licensing process.

These barriers frequently affect our military spouses the hardest. Nearly every three years, military families must uproot their lives to move around the country. This failure to recognize their licenses has led to an approximate 37% gap in income compared to their non-military counterparts, with an estimated difference of more than $12,000 per year. 

Thanks to Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, and Rep. Traci Koster, R-Tampa, two bills aim to quickly get out-of-state licensed workers back into the workforce.

Both SB 1364 and HB 1333 will allow licensed workers to transfer their credentials across state lines and begin working in the same industry in which they have been performing in another state. Provided they meet certain requirements, such as being in good standing with their current licensing agency and having held their license for at least a year, licensed workers can start work much sooner.

Removing the red tape surrounding occupational licensing will continue to make Florida an attractive place for American families and businesses.

Allowing each licensed worker the ability to relocate and continue their career quickly will help both Florida workers and families. Decreasing the amount of red tape can help alleviate shortages in our workforce.

Koster recently explained how this important legislation will make a big difference for Florida.

“This bill will allow new residents of Florida to use their pre-existing skills, enter the workforce unimpeded, and help our businesses expand to meet the growing demand for labor,” she said.

By attracting highly skilled workers and new businesses, Florida will continue to strengthen and grow our economy.

Universal licensing is what an America First policy looks like, and it would help provide the freedom and opportunities our great workers need to succeed.

Linda McMahon is the former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Senior Advisor to
America First Works and the Chair of the America First Policy Institute.