Florida Reaches #1 in Workforce Education

Governor DeSantis announces milestone, fulfilling 2030 goal 5 years early

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Florida has been recognized as the #1 state in the nation for workforce education, fulfilling an executive order set by Governor Ron DeSantis 5 years ahead of the 2030 goal. This milestone reflects the state's more than $12 billion commitment to workforce education and builds on Florida's broader record of excellence in higher education, talent attraction, and education freedom.

Why it matters

This achievement positions Florida as the national leader in preparing a skilled, future-ready workforce through historic investments and industry-driven programs. It reflects Governor DeSantis's vision and strategic investment in expanding workforce pathways for students, helping to open doors to high-wage careers and strengthen the state's long-term economic success.

The details

During the 2024-25 academic year, Florida achieved record-breaking Career and Technical Education (CTE) enrollment, serving more than 818,000 K-12 CTE students and nearly 512,000 postsecondary CTE students, representing a 30% increase since 2018-19. The state has also grown its Integrated Education and Training programs, apprenticeship and preapprenticeship system, and workforce development grant programs to record levels.

  • In 2021, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 19-31 setting a 2030 goal for Florida to become the #1 state in the nation for workforce education.
  • During the 2024-25 academic year, Florida achieved record-breaking CTE enrollment.
  • Since its inception, the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program has allocated $240 million to bolster workforce education and training.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who issued an executive order in 2021 setting a 2030 goal for Florida to become the #1 state in the nation for workforce education, a goal which the state has now achieved 5 years early.

Anastasios Kamoutsas

The Commissioner of Education in Florida, who stated that Florida's rise to the #1 state in the nation for workforce education reflects Governor DeSantis's vision and strategic investment.

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What they’re saying

“Florida has built an education system that delivers outcomes, opens doors to high-wage careers, and strengthens our state's long-term prosperity. Workforce education is a crucial part of this effort.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor (Office of Governor Ron DeSantis)

“Florida's rise to the #1 state in the nation for workforce education is no accident. It reflects Governor DeSantis's vision and strategic investment in expanding workforce pathways for students.”

— Anastasios Kamoutsas, Commissioner of Education (Office of Governor Ron DeSantis)

What’s next

The state will continue to build on this achievement, further expanding workforce education programs and pathways to prepare Floridians for in-demand jobs and strengthen the state's long-term economic success.

The takeaway

Florida's rise to the #1 state in the nation for workforce education demonstrates the power of strategic investment and a vision-driven approach to preparing a skilled, future-ready workforce. This milestone positions Florida as a national leader in delivering education outcomes that open doors to high-wage careers and drive long-term prosperity.