Work in Florida: Jobs, Benefits, Professions and Updates 2026

If you are looking for jobs in Florida to work in the United States, it is important to pay attention to companies that serve the Latin American market and are looking for bilingual professionals who speak Portuguese or Spanish.

Learn everything about working in Florida and boost your professional life with this information. Job openings, salaries, and opportunities: see them all in this post!

Tips on what it’s like to work in Florida

If you plan to move to Orlando, the best way to go is to get a job. The process applies equally throughout the United States, and you need to secure a job before applying for a visa. 

If you’re still in college and want to start your career or simply experience a new culture, a summer job is one of the best options. There’s a program in Orlando called the Disney Cultural Exchange Program that allows you to work at one of the Disney parks in the city. 

To find the ideal job for you, you need to assess how long you intend to stay in the United States and your level of expertise. To better understand this, let’s look at the main job categories in the United States: 

How to apply for one of the jobs in Florida

To apply for one of the jobs in Florida, access companies’ LinkedIn profiles, read all the requirements, and submit your application online in English. Prepare a good cover letter, pay attention to the layout of your resume, take a professional photo, and be sure to carefully manage your LinkedIn profile.

The more complete, the better. Make it available in English, and keep it always updated.

Studying and working in the United States

For those planning to stay in the country for an extended period, this could be one of the best options, because in addition to better job opportunities, you’ll have access to a high-quality education.

Although universities in the United States charge tuition and fees, they also offer a number of scholarships to help you pay for your studies. Those with good grades have a better chance of getting a scholarship in the United States.

Jobs for those with specialization

For those of you who already have an education and good professional experience, seeking opportunities in your field is ideal. LinkedIn and Indeed are excellent job search tools. You can also look for jobs on the companies’ own websites and apply for their selection processes, just like you would in your country of origin.

Jobs that do not require specialization.

For those without a specialized background but seeking an opportunity in Florida, the best way to start working is by participating in a work and travel program.

In this type of exchange program, your services are exchanged for accommodation, food, and even a salary. This type of exchange is interesting for those who want to develop their language skills, and you need to have at least an intermediate level of English.

Biggest advantages of working and living in Florida

Working and living in Florida has its advantages. Besides offering plenty of leisure activities, with beautiful beaches and a complex of amusement parks, being one of the states that generates the most jobs due to tourism, and having a warm climate, Florida also has an affordable cost of living compared to other states in the country.

Another advantage is that Florida does not collect state income tax, meaning less tax and more dollars in your account. 

What is life like for an immigrant in Florida?

Being an immigrant in Florida is different from being an immigrant in a European country, for example. Firstly, because the climate is very perfect, and the state of Florida has a lot of immigrants, so it’s not difficult to make friends there.  

Furthermore, you can find schools, churches, restaurants, clinics, and other options geared towards people from the same country as yours because Florida has a good number of immigrants from all over the world, making you feel closer to home. 

To legally reside in Florida, in addition to a valid passport, an immigrant visa is required. This visa is necessary for anyone intending to live in the United States. If you are related to a U.S. citizen or someone legally residing in the United States, or if you work for a U.S. employer, you can apply for this type of visa, which must be sponsored by that relative or employer. 

Reception by the natives

The reception from locals towards immigrants who move to Florida is usually pleasant and polite, as Americans are already accustomed to the presence of different races in the region. 

They rarely ask where you’re from if you need directions in the street, for example, but it’s important to have some knowledge of English when communicating with them. And because there are so many people living in Florida and investing in the United States, the region is generally very welcoming to immigrants. 

Cost of living

The cost of living in Florida for an individual or family largely depends on lifestyle and priorities; however, we have an estimate of essential expenses for those planning to live in Florida. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average monthly cost per person in Florida is US$3,635.

Housing – monthly cost 

• Rent for an 85m² property in a prime area – US$ 1,860.00;
• Rent for an 85m² property , in an average area – US$ 1,295.00;
• Rent for a 45m² property in a prime area – US$ 1,247.00;
• Rent for a 45m² property in an average area – US$ 1,030.00.
• Water, electricity and property maintenance expenses – between US$140.00 and US$220.00;
• Internet – US$ 78.00.

Food 

• Full meal (with drink) at a restaurant – US$ 20.00;
• Fast-food combo – US$ 9.00;
• Monthly grocery expenses for an adult – US$ 308.00.

Transport 

If you choose to own a car in Florida, the average cost of gasoline is $0.98 per liter (although it is sold by the gallon). 

When it comes to public transportation in Florida, services in cities like Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville work very well, with a monthly pass costing approximately US$112.00 in Miami and US$50.00 in Orlando and Jacksonville. 

Health

There is a big difference between healthcare elswhere and healthcare in the United States. 

While the American healthcare system is one of the best in the world, both for its use of increasingly advanced technologies and the qualifications of its professionals, it is expensive, and not everyone has health insurance there. Conversely, the purchasing power of the population is generally higher than that of other countries. 

Health insurance plan costs can vary from state to state in the United States, and since we’re talking about Florida, the cost of a health plan in the region may be higher due to the technology offered in some cities, which have very advanced resources, such as Orlando and Miami, for example. This is done to ensure quality for visitors and local residents. 

Lake Nona is one of the best cities in Florida because of its healthcare infrastructure. With a medical school and several medical institutes, the city is a world leader in medical care and research. 

The cost of a health insurance plan for a 40-year-old in Florida is approximately US$559.00 per month. For a 60-year-old, the cost can increase by 112%, while a 21-year-old might pay 28% less. 

Leisure

No one can deny that Florida is one of the best states in the United States for leisure and tourism. However, Florida offers more than just amusement parks and beaches for recreation. Let’s explore more leisure options in Florida:

Clearwater Beach

The name of the beach says it all. With crystal-clear waters and fine white sand, Clearwater Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you can visit in Florida and has been voted one of the best beaches in the United States numerous times. Clearwater Beach is located 2 hours from Orlando and is an excellent option for those who want to escape the atmosphere of the theme parks. 

St. Augustine 

St. Augustine is located in the northeastern part of the state and is the oldest city in Florida, with over 450 years of history. So, if you’re looking for great food, art, and culture, St. Augustine is the place to be! 

With its museums and historic buildings, the city will make you forget you’re in the United States. Being a port city in Florida, one of its advantages is the excellent food, especially fresh seafood, at more affordable prices. 

Winter Park 

This is a personal suggestion, as I visited Winter Park when I went to Florida in 2024 and I really enjoyed this city, which is 30 minutes from Orlando. Winter Park is a super charming place, full of cafes, bakeries, restaurants and shops. It reminded me a bit of Notting Hill (London), only much sunnier. 

A curious fact about the city’s name is that, until 1880, it was called Lakeview, because of the view of the lakes where it is located. However, to escape the harsh northern winter, wealthy families were drawn to the area by its beauty and tropical climate.

The beautiful village of Lakeview then became synonymous with winter retreat. From then on, the town came to be called Winter Park.

Education

Anyone planning to live in the United States and with school-aged children will certainly want to understand the country’s education system before moving. Therefore, it’s important to know that education is a priority in the country’s public policies, and the government ensures free, high-quality education from preschool through high school.

An interesting fact is that 80% of children attend public schools in the United States. Public schools offer excellent quality education, and students attend the school closest to their home, that is, within their school district. 

Most in-demand professions in Florida

The state of Florida’s economy is based primarily on tourism, due to its theme parks and the warm temperatures of its beaches, making it the second most visited state in the United States.

In addition to job opportunities in commerce and tourism, Florida also offers jobs in the agricultural sector. However, other sectors of the economy also need qualified professionals; the areas with the highest demand for these professionals are listed below:

Control and automation engineering 

A control and automation engineer earns an annual salary of around US$89,000. 

Information Technology (IT) 

The annual salary of an Information Technology professional can reach almost US$ 67,000. 

Financial market 

The average salary for a financial market professional in Florida is US$ 79,000 annually. 

Health 

A healthcare professional receives an annual salary of $138,000.

Minimum wage and average salaries in Florida

The minimum wage in Florida is $14.00 per hour worked as of September 30, 2025, and the state plans to increase it by one dollar each year, when the minimum hourly wage is expected to be $15.00.

Considering a work schedule of 40 hours per week and 22 working days per month, with an hourly wage of US$14.00, the salary is huge.

What are the best neighborhoods to live and work in Florida?

Florida is one of the most sought-after states for immigrants looking to change their lives, and there are countless reasons why you might want to live and work in the Sunshine State. Below are some neighborhoods that can help you make your decision and pack your bags:

Lake Nona 

If you are a healthcare professional, Lake Nona is an excellent option for both living and working. Nicknamed “the medical city,” it houses a highly technological and extensive healthcare complex.

Within this complex, you’ll find health-related universities, hospitals, and research and science institutes, and it’s only 30 minutes from the beaches of Florida’s east coast. 

Metrowest

The Metrowest neighborhood has a large community of immigrants, due to the variety of properties available in the area, ranging from high-end mansions to small apartments and townhouses at affordable prices. If you are looking to invest in a property, the neighborhood offers attractive prices. 

Downtown Miami 

For those working in finance, Downtown Miami is a great choice. As the economic and financial center of the region, it’s a bustling neighborhood with many buildings, and it’s where most meetings take place and many deals are closed. In addition, it offers good leisure facilities, and you can visit the History Miami Museum, Museum Park, FTX Arena , Perez Art Museum , and Frost Museum of Science. 

Documents needed to work in Florida

According to the United States government website , the documentation required to work in Florida, or any other state in the country, is:

• Passport with more than 6 months of validity remaining; 
• DS-260 form : immigrant visa and alien registration application;
• 2 photographs 2×2;
• Civil documents, such as birth and marriage certificates;
• Financial support – demonstrate to the consular officer, during the interview, your interest in the immigrant visa and that you will not be a public charge in the United States;
• Completed  medical examination forms .

There are different types of work visas available if you’re thinking of living in Florida, and you can search the US government website to find out which visa corresponds to the job you’re applying for or have been approved for. In some cases, the hiring company itself will assist with the visa process. The most common types of work visas are: 

• H1-B: for specialized professionals;
• H2-B: for workers in general, skilled or unskilled;
• H-3: for interns at the university level or vocational schools.

Read Also: Presidential Grant with USA Job Visa Sponsorship

Learn how to create a resume for working in Florida.

To work in Florida, you need to create a strong resume to secure the position you’re interested in. First, the resume must be in English, and ideally, you should have a good command of the language. A well-crafted resume should include: 

• Objectives;
• Professional experience;
• Academic background; 
• Skills, courses and languages;
• References.

Good luck and success in your job search in Florida!