Florida has ‘Help Wanted’ hanging on it. Economist says labor shortage is here to stay
"Help wanted" banners are Florida’s new normal, and the results will translate into competitive wages, longer waits for professional and domestic services, and higher costs of living — for everyone.
Florida is unlike many other states because of its fast growth, aging population and dependence on migrants for both skilled and unskilled labor, said Ron Hetrick, senior labor economist at labor market analytics firm Lightcast. But a beefed-up state law that attempts to crack down on undocumented labor is exacerbating the deep hole in the work force that may take years to close.