Orlando, Florida

As of 2017, the population of Orlando, Florida, is around 280,000. A city of this size typically offers a wide variety of jobs in numerous employment areas. While finding a job is challenging for most people, someone with a felony record may face even greater obstacles when applying for work because of limited opportunity and lower priority for someone with a criminal background.

Finding a job in these difficult times can be quite a challenge, as it is. How much more for those with criminal records?

While several companies offer jobs for felons in Orlando, Florida, you may still encounter some difficulties. Being convicted becomes a stigma to the offenders, overshadowing their qualifications as competent employees.

Do They Offer Jobs for Felons in Orlando, Florida?

Most employers conduct criminal background checks on the applicants. Sadly, many of these employers deny an applicant due to having a criminal record, decreasing job opportunities for many people.

According to the National Employment Law Project, about one in four American adults have criminal records. However, criminal background checks are not always complete or accurate, hence the creation of two federal laws to protect applicants and employees.

Legal Protections for Ex-Offenders

There are two existing federal laws related to the legal rights of ex-offenders seeking jobs for felons in Orlando and other cities in Florida. These are the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act tries to help applicants with inaccuracies in their background information. It requires reporting agencies to follow specific guidelines when conducting background checks.

Basically, they have the option to exclude any criminal record older than seven years. However, if the salary is more than $75,000 per year, everything must be included in the report.

Moreover, they must ensure the accuracy of the reports by providing updated information at all times. Under this law, employers must secure written approval from the applicant and inform the candidate if they are not hired due to the background report. Also, applicants must receive a copy of the report, including how they can dispute any wrong information in the document.

Title VII

Title VII is the law that forbids employers from discriminating against the candidates during the application process. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the enforcing body for this federal law.

The commission issued clear policy guidelines about discriminating applicants that may lead to discrimination claims against the employers. They also instructed employers to contemplate the gravity of the offense, when it happened, and what position the candidate is applying for.

Below we have a number of job listings, followed by the top employers in Orlando and their hiring policies.

Make sure you read this entire page for your best chance at being successful in your job search.