Florida Competes

Florida is a great place to live and do business. Let’s keep it that way. Florida Competes is a coalition of more than 450 businesses—from Fortune 500 companies to locally owned shops—dedicated to passing the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, which would ensure all hardworking LGBT Floridians are protected from discrimination under state law. These protections will send the message that Florida is open for business to all, leading to stronger communities. And when Florida’s communities are stronger, our state is a healthier and more vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family. Learn More

Florida Businesses Agree: It’s time to pass the Competitive Workforce Act! Hundreds of businesses have joined Florida Competes because they agree statewide LGBT nondiscrimination protections are necessary for growing Florida's economy and building our brand as a top state for business. That's why many Florida companies—including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Royal Caribbean and Tech Data—already protect their LGBT employees from discrimination. It's time for state law to reflect long-standing best practices and ensure nondiscrimination protections for ALL Floridians.

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450+ businesses standing together to ensure Florida is open for business to everyone.

Over 56% of Floridians live in communities with protections for sexual orientation or gender identity in local non-discrimination policies.

Florida is the top travel destination in the world bringing over 116 million tourists to the state in 2017.

Join Our Growing Coalition Are you a business owner who supports LGBT nondiscrimination protections? Add your name to the growing coalition of businesses large and small dedicated to passing the Competitive Workforce Act! Become a Member Now

Protecting gay and transgender Floridians from discrimination isn't just morally the right thing to do, it's prerequisite if our state wants to be relevant and economically competitive in the global market. This year, the legislature has the opportunity to send a signal that Florida is open for business—to everyone. Florida lawmakers should not miss this critical opportunity to help our economy and enhance our global credibility. John Tonnison, Tech Data Executive Vice President and CIO

AT&T established the first GLBT Employee Resource Group in corporate America in 1987 recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in making our company successful. We believe that in order to remain competitive in today's ever-changing technology industry, Florida must attract the most innovative and talented workforce. In order to do this, it is imperative that we protect the workforce from discrimination of any kind. We are proud to be a part of a coalition whose goal is to ensure all Floridians are treated equally. Joe York, AT&T Florida President

Passing the Competitive Workforce Act makes good sense economically and benefits employers and employees by offering a law that is consistent across the state. Rep. Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo)

Hispanics have powered Florida's population growth since 2000, currently ranking third in the country. The Competitive Workforce Act will not only benefit our network of 80,000 small business owners, but all Floridians as it sends a signal that Florida is a welcoming place to work and grow a business. Julio Fuentes, FSHCC President and CEO

I have always been a vocal supporter of this pro-business issue and believe there is a fundamental flaw in a society that condones the firing of someone simply because they are LGBT. I am pleased to join Sen. Latvala and my colleagues in the House to co-sponsor this very important piece of legislation. While there are some concerns I have for others to sue unjustifiably, I am confident that will be addressed through the committee process. Sen. Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) co-sponsor of the Competitive Workforce Act

One of our core values at CSX is "People Make the Difference." We practice this by treating each other with respect and dignity. In addition to encouraging each employee to be engaged and add value, this principle and our corporate policies allow us to attract the best talent. CSX is headquartered in Florida, and we support public policies that enhance our state's economic competitiveness. We are proud to join other Florida employers in support of the Competitive Workforce Act. Bob O'Malley, CSX Vice President of State Governmental Affairs for Florida

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Mid-Session Update: Time for Record-Breaking, Bipartisan Support to Translate into Action for the FCWA April 9, 2019

Today: Supporters of LGBT Nondiscrimination Protections Renew Push to Pass the Florida Competitive Workforce Act February 20, 2019 On The Two-Year Anniversary of The Pulse Nightclub Shooting, Florida Competes Commits to #HonorThemWithAction June 12, 2018 Session Wrap-Up: FCWA Stalls Again Despite Record Bipartisan Support from 45% of Lawmakers March 20, 2018