Florida has been my home longer than any other U.S. state. Yet even after more than a decade, some things still strike me as unusual. In my new blog series, I’ll uncover what it’s like to live, work, and do business in Florida. Whether you’re moving here with your family or planning to build a company in the Sunshine State, these insights are not just interesting but also useful.
Going Strong in Florida: D2D Sales.
If you live in Florida, don’t be surprised if a sales rep knocks on your door to sell you a product or service – several times a month. These are often home-improvement offerings like solar panels, windows, and roofs, along with services such as window cleaning, tree trimming, or lawn cutting.
Door-to-door (D2D) sales has a long history in the U.S. It was very popular in the 1950s and ‘60s – and it's still going strong. Some people even say it’s making a comeback. D2D sales generates nearly $30 billion a year in sales in the U.S.!
Why would businesses still choose this strategy? There are a few reasons: First, they are reaching potential customers right where the product is needed – at home. They can also get a hold of customers that may be hard to reach through digital channels. In a time when inboxes are overflowing with emails, face-to-face interactions can be an effective way to create connections that online outreach can’t.
So, if the doorbell rings don’t be surprised to find a so-called “door knocker” outside striking up a conversation about your windows. Most are polite and – if you are not interested – respect a firm “no”.
For business owners, it’s worth noting that some competitors may be using this approach to connect with your potential customers.
No Mandated Vacation and Sick Leave.
Florida has no state-mandated vacation or sick leave. This may sound strange for a place that is known as a prime vacation destination. Private employers are not required to provide paid or unpaid vacation. It’s up to the company’s internal policies or employee contracts.
There’s also no state law requiring employers to offer paid sick leave. Even though there are some federal laws, like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), they only apply to businesses with 50 or more employees.
Does that mean that Florida businesses don’t offer any paid vacation and sick days? Not necessarily – but probably not as much as you might be used to from your home country.
Many companies provide these benefits voluntarily to stay competitive and retain talent. Vacation is also often a point of negotiation during hiring, along with salary and other benefits.
By the way, vacation and sick leave are often combined into a single policy called Paid Time Off (PTO). Read more about it here. The average Florida employee gets 8.5 days of PTO per year.
So, moving to Florida could mean an adjustment in the amount of vacation and sick time you have available. For business owners, it’s important to know that while there is no legal requirement to provide these benefits, attracting top employees may depend on the perks you offer.
Florida: Big Universities, Big Distances.
Big Universities
When people think of Florida, they picture beaches and amusement parks. And there are plenty of both. But what many people don’t realize is that Florida has a diverse and expansive university system with some of the largest universities in the U.S.
The State University System of Florida comprises 12 public universities and nearly 450,000 students. The largest is the University of Central Florida (UCF), which has the highest undergraduate enrollment of any university in the U.S. Other large universities are Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, and Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee. In addition to the large public universities, there is a variety of smaller but well-known private colleges. I had the pleasure of teaching at one of them, Rollins College, for 5 years.
So, Florida isn’t just a vacation destination but a hub for higher education. For businesses, this means access to a steady stream of graduates and potential employees.
Big Distances
Another thing people often underestimate about Florida is its size. Even though the state ranks only in 22nd place regarding land area, driving distances can be vast. It takes 13 hours to drive from Key West, Florida’s southernmost part, to Pensacola, near the Alabama border. Florida’s population has surpassed 23 million and continues to grow, making it the third most populous state in the U.S.
Want to find out more? Stay tuned for part two of my blog, where I’ll explore more unique and unusual aspects of life and business in Florida – from “baggers” to “sign-spinners” and more.
If you or your business are relocating to Florida and need help understanding the landscape, let’s connect. As a Florida-based business owner, I’d be happy to support you with my insights.
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