Workforce quality tops small biz agenda in Florida Chamber survey

Florida’s small businesses are most concerned about the quality of the state’s workforce as voters prepare to pick their next governor Nov. 6, according to survey results released Monday by the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

At the same time, the Chamber issued a guide showing that Republican Ron DeSantis ticks every box on the organization’s issues checklist.

Democrat Andrew Gillum doesn’t check any.

“With Florida small and local businesses creating one out of every 11 new American jobs, the Small Business Index Survey shows that job creators will be looking for a governor who further eliminates outdated regulations and further strengthens Florida’s workforce to ensure the available 245,300 jobs in Florida can be filled with quality employees,” said Marian Johnson, the chamber’s senior vice president for political operations.

The Chamber already had endorsed DeSantis in the race.

It was the eighth quarter running that workforce skills ranked as small business’ top concern. And it led by a considerable margin — 26 percent, compared to the next ranked concern, government regulations, at 9 percent.

Access to capital and economic uncertainty tied, at 8 percent each; followed by “lawsuit abuse,” taxes, and health care costs, all at 6 percent.

Confidence in the state’s direction was up compared to the third quarter, to 59 percent.

Some 48 percent of respondents expected to hire in the next six months, up from 45 percent last quarter.

Forty-three percent expected to invest in plants or equipment, down from 49 percent one year ago.

The Chamber conducted the survey electronically between Sept. 6 and Oct. 11. Of the respondents, 39 percent employed fewer than five employees, and 43 percent have five to 49 employees.