FloridaCommerce Launches Workforce Initiative to Support Florida’s Broadband Industry

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — FloridaCommerce is launching a major initiative to deliver the required workforce to upgrade the state’s communications networks. FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Florida, the REACH Office, the Florida Department of Education, state and technical colleges, Local Workforce Development Boards, and other partners are collaborating to attract, train and deliver the workforce needed to bring broadband internet to all Floridians.

To further support workforce development for the broadband industry, the Florida Department of Education recently approved curriculum for a Telecommunications and Fiber Optics Technician program at Miami Dade College to continue the training of broadband workers throughout the state. The program offers a sequence of courses intended to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage jobs in the broadband industry.

“In partnering with Florida’s state and technical colleges—including Miami Dade College, the Florida Department of Education, CareerSource Florida, Local Workforce Development Boards, the REACH Office, and other public and private sector stakeholders, we are building the workforce needed to support Florida’s broadband industry,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “With the 2025-2026 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility budget, Governor DeSantis will have invested more than $10 billion in workforce education—leading to economic prosperity for Florida families and communities. With a steady internet connection, we are providing Floridians with access to find their next professional opportunity, upskill for future jobs and access telemedicine resources.”

“Florida is leading the nation in talent development because our colleges continue to adapt their programs to meet workforce needs,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Through this new program, students in the Miami area will be able to access high-demand jobs in the broadband industry and we will ensure that our workforce is keeping up with our growing economy.”

“There are so many career opportunities for individuals who are not pursuing traditional four-year degrees,” said Madeline Pumariega, President of Miami Dade College. “ This initiative highlights the critical role institutions like ours can play in preparing the workforce needed to bridge the digital divide. The importance of working with academia to deliver the workforce needed to upgrade our statewide communications network cannot be overstated.”

“To deliver on the mission of a completely connected Florida, we must have the skills-based workforce to deploy and maintain our communications networks and also bring awareness to the lucrative career opportunities available in the broadband industry through innovative resources like Broadband Nation, which will help ensure that we attract the workers we need to accomplish this objective ,” said FloridaCommerce Office of Broadband Director, Leo Garcia. “Broadband Nation will significantly raise awareness about the innovative training and employment opportunities available to our residents, enabling them to secure sustainable careers in the broadband industry without the need for a traditional four-year degree.”

The FloridaCommerce Office of Broadband is partnering with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), to raise awareness about the extensive employment, education and training opportunities available for personnel needed to deploy broadband infrastructure throughout the state.

Across Florida there are approximately 130,000 eligible locations to be connected to broadband by 2030 and more than 20,000 workers are needed for direct and indirect broadband-related jobs including fiber/coax networks, customer service, cell tower, network technology and construction.

In partnership with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Florida looks to expand broadband access around the state. Florida has been allocated $1.16 billion in BEAD funds to develop and upgrade its communications networks in underserved and unserved regions.

For Floridians interested in training and job opportunities within the broadband industry, contact the FloridaCommerce Office of Broadband at Broadband@Commerce.fl.gov or visit BroadbandNation.org/Florida.