CareerSource Florida commissioned a comprehensive study, which began in 2019, on the potential impacts of the emerging gig economy on Florida’s workforce system. This report synthesizes the results of the research undertaken to further CareerSource Florida’s understanding of the gig economy and the potential workforce, education and economic development implications for Florida.

CareerSource Florida’s Study on the Gig Economy and Florida’s Workforce System considered national research and data on the gig economy; gathered Florida-specific data and trends; and engaged workforce, education, economic development and business partners in discussions about the future of work and entrepreneurship in Florida.

This report provides a roadmap for CareerSource Florida and partners across the state to engage in the gig economy. Research, input and findings of this study are organized as follows:

• Defining the Gig Economy – It is challenging to measure the scope and scale of the gig economy due to overlap among employment status of workers, the variety of non-traditional arrangements and the lack of official employment definitions and differences in self-reported employment status. This chapter presents available national data and Florida-specific estimates of the potential size and scale of the gig economy, including employment, industry and occupational estimates.

• Characteristics of Gig Workers – By synthesizing available national surveys, research and information, we gain a better understanding of who gig workers are, why they choose independent work and what workforce needs and issues they may face.

• Businesses and the Gig Economy – This chapter explores the business and industry sides of the gig economy and summarizes known risks, challenges and business needs.

• The Gig Economy in Florida – Using available data, we can illustrate types of gig workers and work in the state and estimate the potential scale, scope and future impacts of the gig economy in Florida.

• Workforce Partner Outreach – The Gig Economy presents opportunities and challenges for Florida’s workforce system. In this section, national, state, regional and local workforce partners offer their ideas and input.

• Policy and Programmatic Considerations – This chapter offers potential opportunities based on the ideas and input of workforce, education and economic development partners across Florida with additional insights from CareerSource Florida’s Board of Directors.

In undertaking this study and by engaging key partners, CareerSource Florida is one of the first state workforce development organizations nationally to explore the implications of gig work and entrepreneurship in a comprehensive, research-driven manner. This initial undertaking reveals significant potential areas of opportunity for CareerSource Florida, local workforce development boards and other partners to meet the future independent workforce needs of gig economy businesses and workers. CareerSource Florida is committed to continuing the dialogue and collaborating with partners to respond to the opportunities and future trends presented by the gig economy.

Read the full report here [pdf]