Florida was recently awarded $28 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Labor Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant in response to COVID-19. This money is in addition to $12 million received earlier this year.
The grant is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO) and will provide disaster-relief employment in the form of temporary jobs, employment, and training services and supportive services to eligible Floridians.

“As our state and local communities continue to recover from the pandemic, I am proud to announce $28 million in additional funding for disaster-relief employment,” said Governor Ron DeSantis yesterday. “I look forward to putting these dollars to use right away to give Floridians in need an opportunity to work.”

“I want to thank Governor Ron DeSantis for his leadership and for his steps to reopen the state, so more Floridians can find gainful employment,” said FDEO Executive Director Dane Eagle. “We look forward to helping Floridians get back to work and receive the training and support they need as we rebuild our economy.”

Disaster relief employment includes humanitarian assistance and cleanup activities. These activities may involve the following: Providing medicine, food, and other supplies to individuals in need; assisting with setting up quarantine areas and providing assistance to quarantined individuals; working at food distribution centers and other community-support organizations; cleaning schools or sanitizing quarantine or treatment areas; and other activities related to organizing and coordinating recovery and quarantine efforts.

Individuals who qualify for disaster-relief employment are dislocated workers, workers who have been temporarily or permanently laid off as a result of COVID-19, self-employed individuals who have lost work due to COVID-19, and individuals who have been unemployed long-term.

“We are grateful for Governor DeSantis’ dedication to helping Floridians recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “The Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant will help Floridians who have lost jobs by providing employment and training services. With our partners at DEO, the CareerSource Florida network is here to help our neighbors as they rebound and, ultimately, reimagine and rebuild Florida’s economy.”

For information regarding Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants, Floridians should visit the CareerSource website  to find a local Career Center.