Finding A Job After You’ve Been Released From Prison

The Importance of Employment for Ex-Prisoners

Steady work is one of the strongest things standing between a person leaving prison and a return to it. A paycheck covers housing, restitution, and supervision fees, and in Florida a job is often a written condition of probation or community control.

In most cases, the business owners can also see benefits such as:

• Loyal employees: Former prisoners often value stable employment and are less likely to change jobs frequently.
• A diverse workforce: Hiring ex-offenders can contribute to workplace diversity and enhance your company's social image.

Why More Employers Are Hiring Ex-Convicts

While a criminal record can make it very difficult to find a job, a growing number of businesses, both large and small, are willing to take a chance on former prisoners who have paid their debt to society. There are a number of public and private programs that have been created to help facilitate this.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a program aimed at encouraging employers to hire individuals from certain targeted groups, including ex-prisoners, who face significant barriers to employment. By hiring eligible individuals, you can receive a tax credit that reduces the federal income tax you owe.

Here is a brief overview of how the WOTC works:

• The credit is 40 percent of the first $6,000 in first-year wages paid to a qualified ex-felon, a maximum of $2,400, if that employee works at least 400 hours.
• If the employee works at least 120 hours but fewer than 400 hours, the credit drops to 25 percent of those wages.
• A qualified ex-felon is a person hired within one year of the felony conviction or of release from prison for that felony.
• The employer files IRS Form 8850 with the state workforce agency no later than 28 days after the employee starts work.
• The credit was authorized through December 31, 2025 by section 113 of division EE of Public Law 116-260, so check the U.S. Department of Labor WOTC page for its current status before counting on it.

This tax credit incentivizes employers to give ex-prisoners a chance at rebuilding their lives and finding stable employment.

Re-entry Programs and Initiatives

In addition to the WOTC, various re-entry programs and initiatives are available to help ex-prisoners reintegrate into the workforce. These programs offer support such as job training, mentoring, and resources for finding employment.

Examples of re-entry programs include:

• Hope for Prisoners: a reentry program that combines job readiness training with long-term mentoring for people leaving incarceration.
• Prison Fellowship: This organization supports employers in hiring ex-prisoners by providing guidance and resources on how to approach the hiring process fairly and without prejudice.

What Florida Law Says About Hiring People With Records

Florida Statute 112.011 limits when an old conviction can be held against you. Under section 112.011(1)(a), a person may not be disqualified from employment by the state, any of its agencies or political subdivisions, or any municipality solely because of a prior conviction. A public employer may still say no when the crime was a felony or first-degree misdemeanor directly related to the position sought.

The same statute covers licensing. Section 112.011(1)(b) allows a board to deny a license, permit, or certification only where the conviction was a felony or first-degree misdemeanor directly related to standards the board has determined are necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The full text is at flsenate.gov. These limits bind public employers and licensing boards. Private companies set their own hiring standards.

Sector-Specific Opportunities for Ex-Prisoners

While certain industries may exclude you due to your conviction, there are also a number of industries and sectors where ex-convicts will have an easier time finding employment.

Construction and Trades

The construction and trades sector offers promising opportunities for ex-prisoners seeking employment. Your skills and work ethic often matter more than your past offenses in this industry.

Construction companies and trade organizations, such as carpentry or plumbing, value hard-working individuals eager to learn and demonstrate commitment to the job. You may also consider exploring apprenticeship programs, where you can gain practical experience and training on the job. Remember to be upfront about your background with potential employers, as demonstrating honesty is important in building trust.

Trucking and Logistics

Trucking and logistics are other sectors with ample job opportunities for ex-convicts. As a truck driver, your main responsibility would involve transporting goods across different locations, ensuring timely and safe delivery.

Numerous trucking companies are willing to give ex-prisoners a chance, as there is a high demand for drivers in the industry. However, you must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) before being considered for a job in this sector. Look for CDL training programs in your area, and as with any job opportunity, be honest about your past during the application process.

Manufacturing and Production

Ex-prisoners can also find employment opportunities in the manufacturing and production sectors. Companies in this industry often value practical skills and hands-on experience. Job opportunities can range from entry-level assembly line positions to highly skilled technician roles. Here are some positions you can explore:

• Assembly line worker
• Machine Operator
• Quality control technician
• Maintenance Technician

You can enhance your employability by enrolling in vocational training programs or obtaining certifications in specific skills, such as machine operation or maintenance. By showcasing your dedication to personal development and emphasizing your problem-solving abilities, you may increase your chances of securing a job in manufacturing and production. As always, be transparent about your background with potential employers.

Where To Look For Fair Chance Employers

Start with the agencies that keep current information rather than with a list of "felon friendly" companies, which goes stale within a year or two. CareerSource Florida runs local career centers across the state that work with people leaving incarceration, and the U.S. Department of Labor funds reentry employment services through the same network.

• CareerSource Florida career centers offer free job search help, skills assessments, and referrals to employers who already claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Find your local center at careersourceflorida.com.
• CareerOneStop, run by the U.S. Department of Labor, keeps a reentry resource finder at careeronestop.org.
• Ask an employer directly whether they participate in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. An employer already claiming it has a financial reason to read your application.

When an employer asks about your record, answer honestly. A conviction found after you are hired does far more damage than one you disclosed up front.

Small Businesses and Local Opportunities

In addition to large corporations, numerous small businesses and local employers are also extending opportunities to ex-prisoners. Some of these businesses are owned or managed by individuals who understand the challenges of reintegrating into society after serving time.

Small employers often make the call themselves instead of routing your application through an automated screening system, which can work in your favor. Local trade contractors, independent restaurants, landscaping and moving companies, and staffing agencies are worth approaching in person.

Starting Your New Life As A Former Prisoner Is About Finding A Community

We understand how tough it can be to start your new life after being released from prison. At the Weinstein Legal Team, we believe that The Law of WE is more than a concept; it’s a commitment to our community that doesn’t just stop once your case is over.

If you are a South Florida resident who has recently been released from incarceration, please browse our community page to learn more about the resources, events, and opportunities we are currently involved in in our local community.