What is an American Job Center?

Free walk-in career center funded by the US Department of Labor. Services include job search help, resume writing, interview practice, computer access, WIOA training grants, and direct employer connections. Nearly 2,400 centers nationwide — find yours at careeronestop.org.

Can I get help if I have a record?

Yes. Many states have reentry employment programs; the Center for Employment Opportunities runs transitional jobs in 30+ cities. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit incentivizes employers to hire formerly-incarcerated workers. Fair Chance laws in many states restrict early background checks.

What's an apprenticeship?

Paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction leading to a journey-level credential. Common in trades (electrician, plumber, carpenter, HVAC) but expanding into healthcare, IT, and finance. Earn while you learn — no student debt. Find programs at apprenticeship.gov.

What if I'm on unemployment?

You likely qualify for free reemployment services through your American Job Center and for WIOA-funded training while receiving benefits. Dislocated worker services are priority for anyone laid off — including severance, retraining, and relocation support.

Job & Career in Florida

11 verified resources.

About Job & Career for Fathers

Job and career resources for fathers run through the American Job Center (AJC) network — there are roughly 2,400 physical locations nationwide, every one of which offers free services. AJCs provide job search assistance, resume and interview help, WIOA-funded training (often up to

0,000+ in tuition and fees for in-demand occupations), and connections to apprenticeships. Every state has a workforce agency that oversees unemployment insurance, labor market information, and rapid response services for laid-off workers. Registered Apprenticeship programs pay workers while they train for skilled trades (electrician, plumber, HVAC, heavy equipment, and increasingly healthcare and IT). For formerly incarcerated fathers, state Department of Labor reentry programs and organizations like the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provide transitional jobs and placement. This directory includes AJCs, workforce boards, apprenticeship programs, and reentry services.

Job & Career in Florida

Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.

11 Resources

1. FloridaCommerce — Reemployment Assistance (Reconnect) — Free

Florida's official unemployment insurance program. File and manage claims through the Reconnect online portal at connect.myflorida.com. Provides temporary wage-replacement benefits to workers who lost their job through no fault of their own. Call 1-833-352-7759 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM for help with claims. Portal available 24/7. Bring your Social Security number, work history, and employer information when filing your initial claim.

1-833-352-7759 · 107 E Madison St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; portal available 24/7

2. Employ Florida — State Job Search Portal — Free

Free online portal connecting Florida job seekers with thousands of job listings, employer contacts, resume posting, training programs, and labor market data. Available as a free mobile app for iOS and Android. Register at employflorida.com to access all features. Call (850) 692-6887 for help. Works alongside local CareerSource Florida career centers statewide for in-person assistance with job searches, resumes, and career planning.

(850) 692-6887 · Online portal available 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Goodwill of North Florida — GoodCareers Centers — Free

Free walk-in career centers across North Florida providing job leads, resume help, career counseling, skills training, and onsite employer interviews. Serves 14 counties including Duval, Clay, and Alachua. No appointment needed for most services. Located at 5150 Timuquana Rd, Jacksonville. Call (904) 384-1361 Mon-Fri 9 AM to 5 PM. Visit goodwillnorthfl.org/goodcareers-centers for all GoodCareers Center locations in Northeast Florida.

(904) 384-1361 · 5150 Timuquana Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210 · Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

4. Goodwill South Florida — Jobs & Training — Free

Job training, placement assistance, and career development services for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe County residents. Programs include vocational skills training, resume preparation, interview coaching, and access to job placement specialists. Located at 2121 NW 21st St, Miami. Call (305) 326-4236 or visit goodwillsouthflorida.org/jobs-services Mon-Fri 9 AM to 5 PM. No fees to access career services. Walk-in assistance available at most locations.

(305) 326-4236 · 2121 NW 21st St, Miami, FL 33142 · Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

5. Jacksonville Urban League — Employment & Training — Free

Career building, job placement, workforce training, and resume services for Jacksonville residents. The Center for Education, Career Development and Workforce Services connects job seekers with employer partners across Duval County. Located at 903 West Union St, Jacksonville. Call (904) 723-4007 or email jh.wilson@jaxul.org Mon-Fri 9 AM to 5 PM. Free career services and workshops. No fees to participate in employment and training programs offered through the Jacksonville Urban League.

(904) 723-4007 · 903 West Union St, Jacksonville, FL 32204 · Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

6. Florida SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) — Free

State program helping Florida SNAP recipients gain skills, education, and work experience to reach self-sufficiency. Services include job search assistance, occupational skills training, and work experience placements through local CareerSource centers. Call (833) 352-7759 or contact your nearest CareerSource Florida career center. Available to able-bodied SNAP recipients between 16 and 59 years old. Participation may be required to maintain SNAP eligibility.

(833) 352-7759 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; contact local CareerSource center · Visit Website

7. Federal Bonding Program — Fidelity Bonds for Job Seekers — Free

U.S. Department of Labor initiative providing free fidelity bonds to hard-to-place job seekers in Florida including formerly incarcerated individuals and those with poor credit or substance abuse history. Each bond provides $5,000 in employer bonding coverage for the first six months at no cost. Call 1-800-233-2258 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM or apply through your local CareerSource Florida center. Visit bonds4jobs.com for eligibility details and the full application process.

1-800-233-2258 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; apply through local CareerSource · Visit Website

8. CareerSource Capital Region — Clothes4Careers — Free

Free professional clothing program for job seekers in Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, and Wakulla counties. Provides vouchers for interview and workplace attire at no cost to eligible job seekers. Located at 1300 N Duval St, Tallahassee. Call (850) 878-0026 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM for eligibility and appointment information. Visit careersourcecapitalregion.com/clothes4careers to learn more. A free resource for fathers entering or re-entering the workforce.

(850) 878-0026 · 1300 N Duval St, Tallahassee, FL 32303 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

9. SBA North Florida District Office — Free

U.S. Small Business Administration serving 43 counties in northern Florida. Provides business loans, free counseling, licensing guidance, and government contracting assistance for fathers looking to start or grow a business. Located at 7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite 100B, Jacksonville. Call (904) 443-1900 or email Northflorida_do@sba.gov Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Free SCORE mentors and SBDC counselors connected through this district office.

(904) 443-1900 · 7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite 100B, Jacksonville, FL 32256 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM · Visit Website

10. SBA South Florida District Office — Free

U.S. Small Business Administration serving 24 counties in southern Florida including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Provides small business loans, free counseling, government contracting opportunities, and disaster assistance. Located at 51 SW 1st Ave, Suite 201, Miami. Call (305) 536-5521 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Visit sba.gov/district/south-florida for a directory of free SBDC and SCORE counseling resources connected to this district.

(305) 536-5521 · 51 SW 1st Ave, Suite 201, Miami, FL 33130 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM · Visit Website

11. SCORE Florida — Free Business Mentoring — Free

Over 10,000 volunteer business mentors with Florida chapters in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Sarasota, and more. Free one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and online resources for entrepreneurs at any stage of their business journey. Call 1-800-634-0245 or find your nearest Florida chapter at score.org/find-mentor Mon-Fri 9 AM to 5 PM. Both in-person and virtual mentoring sessions available at no cost throughout Florida.

1-800-634-0245 · Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; find your chapter at score.org · Visit Website

Job & Career — Common Questions

What is an American Job Center?: Free walk-in career center funded by the US Department of Labor. Services include job search help, resume writing, interview practice, computer access, WIOA training grants, and direct employer connections. Nearly 2,400 centers nationwide — find yours at careeronestop.org.
Can I get help if I have a record?: Yes. Many states have reentry employment programs; the Center for Employment Opportunities runs transitional jobs in 30+ cities. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit incentivizes employers to hire formerly-incarcerated workers. Fair Chance laws in many states restrict early background checks.
What's an apprenticeship?: Paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction leading to a journey-level credential. Common in trades (electrician, plumber, carpenter, HVAC) but expanding into healthcare, IT, and finance. Earn while you learn — no student debt. Find programs at apprenticeship.gov.
What if I'm on unemployment?: You likely qualify for free reemployment services through your American Job Center and for WIOA-funded training while receiving benefits. Dislocated worker services are priority for anyone laid off — including severance, retraining, and relocation support.