As businesses expand their operations into new territories like Florida, they often encounter a myriad of challenges related to HR management, compliance, and admin. That’s not even considering the issue of keeping workers satisfied and productive. However, for employers considering a move to the Sunshine State, this is where hiring through a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) in Florida can help. But what is a PEO and why is it a smart choice?
A PEO is a company that provides a complete suite of HR solutions to businesses, including HR admin, payroll processing, employee benefits management, compliance assurance, and more including options like hiring support. More importantly, all of this can be done without going through the time and expense of opening a new company entity in Florida.
By partnering with a PEO, companies can streamline HR, avoid compliance risks, and focus on core business objectives without fear.
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Why Hire Talent Through a PEO in Florida?
Florida is well-known in the US and the wider world for a strong economy, diverse workforce, and a business climate that supports free enterprise. For those looking to operate here, hiring through a PEO in Florida offers several advantages that can help businesses thrive.
The 3 Biggest Advantages of Partnering with a Floridian PEO
- Hire talent where you need, not just near the office – With the support of a local PEO, businesses can access top talent from across Florida and the wider US, regardless of physical location. With the growth of remote work options, it’s even easier today to recruit the best candidates for their needs, and a PEO in Florida can provide all the process support needed to easily and effectively manage staff worldwide.
- Comprehensive HR support – PEOs offer a wide range of HR services tailored to the needs of the company or project, including payroll processing, benefits administration, employee onboarding, and compliance management. By outsourcing these tasks to a PEO in Florida, businesses can get the most from their operations and focus on strategic growth.
- Cost savings – Partnering with a PEO in Florida provides access to expert advice and experienced expansion advisors with specialized local knowledge. The support offered by a PEO results in significant cost savings for businesses as PEOs leverage their economies of scale to negotiate competitive rates for employee benefits, insurance, and other HR services. When combined with the fact that a PEO in Floridacan save companies time and resources that would otherwise be spent on opening a new entity locally and providing full teams of in-house staff, businesses can easily benefit from getting more for less through a PEO in Florida.
Key Labor Laws to Remember in Florida
Like most US states, Florida has its own set of labor laws and regulations that employers must adhere to alongside those made at federal or local levels. A PEO in Florida can help to keep your staff legally compliant, but it’s always a good idea to remain familiar with labor laws that can affect your projects.
Some key labor laws to remember include:
Florida Minimum Wage Act
The Florida Minimum Wage Act sets the state’s minimum wage rate which is then adjusted annually based on inflation and cost of living.
As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Florida is $12.00 per hour for eligible, non-tipped employees (rising to $13.00 in September 2024), and $8.98 per hour for tipped employees.
Florida Civil Rights Act
The Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA) is a key piece of employment law that bans discrimination protected characteristics like race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.
This law is enforced by the Florida Commission on Human Relations and applies to all employers with 15 or more employees. However, smaller businesses are also obliged to follow similar laws banning discrimination in the workplace in general including federal anti-discrimination laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Florida Workers’ Compensation Law
Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law requires most employers to provide proper workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.
This insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for employees who are injured or become ill due to work-related activities. The law requires specific reporting requirements and benefits calculations that then form part of the standard payroll process in Florida.
Florida and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
While Florida does not have its own state-specific Family and Medical Leave Act, it adheres to the federal FMLA. This provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain family and medical reasons.
Most commonly, FMLA is used for the birth and care of a newborn, adoption or foster care placement of a child, caring for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, or in the case of an employee’s own serious health condition.
It’s important to note that only employers with 50 or more employees are covered by this law, though many employers choose to provide some form of family or medical leave in their benefits packages to attract top talent and boost employee retention.
Why Choose Hiring in Florida Over Other States? Our 6 Top Reasons
Choosing to transfer workers to or hire in Florida offers distinct advantages for businesses looking to expand their presence, as well as for employees looking for a good standard of living at a reasonable cost.
No State Income Tax
Florida is one of the few states that do not impose a state income tax, making it financially attractive for employees who can take home more each pay period. For employers, not only is this a significant selling point when recruiting top talent, but it can also reduce the overall labor burden of a business.
Favorable Business Climate
Florida is well-known for its business-friendly policies, streamlined regulations, and low operating costs. The state government actively promotes economic growth and business freedoms through various incentives and support programs like tax credits, grants, and training subsidies.
The regulatory environment around HR functions and HR tasks in Florida is comparatively simple and designed to minimize bureaucratic red tape, making it easier and faster for businesses to operate.
Strategic Location
Florida’s geographic location offers pros for businesses involved in trade and logistics thanks to a lot of investment in infrastructure including extensive port facilities. Florida serves as a critical hub for international trade, particularly with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Skilled Workforce
Florida has a diverse and skilled workforce thanks to a history of multilingualism and immigration as well as a strong network of educational institutions, including world-class universities, colleges, and technical schools.
Quality of Life
The high quality of life in Florida, characterized by a warm climate, range of local activities, and cultural attractions, makes the state a prime location for employees and their families. Employee engagement is key to long-term strategic planning, and Florida has all the local factors needed to ensure happy workers.
Economic Growth and Stability
Florida’s economy is one of the largest in the US in 2024 and is marked by consistent growth across various key sectors, including tourism, agriculture, aerospace, and technology.
Let INS Global Be Your Guide to Quick and Compliant Worldwide Expansion
Expanding your business into Florida requires careful planning, local expertise, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. INS Global’s PEO in Florida specializes in helping businesses navigate the complexities of international expansion, including setting up operations in the state.
For nearly 20 years, we’ve helped companies reach their potential regardless of international borders. Now, we support business growth in 160+ countries worldwide, including all 50 US states.
From HR outsourcing and payroll services to compliance assistance and talent acquisition, our PEO in Florida provides end-to-end solutions to ensure a seamless and compliant expansion process.
Book a free consultation today to talk to our expert global expansion advisors about your range of available options.
FAQ
Q: Can a PEO help with compliance in Florida?
A: Yes, partnering with a PEO in Florida that has expertise in Floridian employment law can help your HR department navigate complex regulations and ensure total compliance with federal, state, and local needs.
Q: How can INS Global help with hiring in Florida?
A: INS Global offers comprehensive HR solutions through our PEO in Florida that are tailored to the needs of businesses looking to expand quickly and safely. From employing your staff locally to payroll processing and talent acquisition, we provide end-to-end support that streamlines the entire expansion process.
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