Where does Florida rank on a list of best states to work? See the details
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Florida ranked mid-pack overall with a 2025 worker score of 43.62 out of 100.
- Oxfam graded states on wage policies, worker protections and union rights.
- Washington, D.C. led the rankings; North Carolina ranked lowest in 2025.
Florida ranks in the middle of the pack among the best states to work in the United States, according to a new study by Oxfam America.
The Boston-based nonprofit organization graded states on wage policies, worker protections and employees’ rights to organize.
“Working families — no matter where they live — deserve support to thrive,” the group said in its Aug. 28 report. “But as Congress fails to pass legislation, geographic inequality is growing and access to fundamental rights and decent wages increasingly depends on where you call home.”
These policy gaps don’t affect everyone equally, Oxfam America said. They “actually worsen inequality across lines of gender, race, and class.”
The group’s latest report examined every U.S. state, district and territory — including Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
Here’s a look at the rankings from Oxfam America’s list of the Best States to Work in the US in 2025:
Where is the best state to work in the US?
California topped Oxfam America’s list for best states to work in 2023, but Washington, D.C., claimed the top spot in both 2024 and the latest 2025 report.
Washington, D.C., earned an overall score of 87.66 out of 100 from Oxfam America.
The city scored 91.02 out of 100 for wage policies, 75 out of 100 for worker protections and a straight 100 for employees’ rights to organize.
California was the second-best place to work, the group found, while Oregon came in third.
What is Florida’s ranking in best states to work?
Oxfam America ranked Florida No. 30 on the list, with an overall score of 43.62 out of 100.
The Sunshine State received a score of 51.76 out of 100 for wage policies, 22.62 for worker protections and 60 for workers’ rights to organize.
Florida work protections
Most states — including Florida — have implemented minimum wages above the federal base pay of $7.25, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Florida’s minimum wage is $13 per hour for non-tipped workers, and will rise to $14 an hour on Sept. 30.
Many states have established policies for the health and well-being of the working class, Oxfam America said.
In Florida, those rights include:
- Equal pay across gender and race
- Worker compensation to farmworkers
- Sexual harassment protection
But just as notable, Florida doesn’t offer workers paid pumping breaks for breastfeeding or provide a heat safety standard for outdoor workers, according to the rankings.
Where are the best states to work for employees in US?
These are the top 10 states and districts for workers in 2025, according to Oxfam America:
1. Washington, D.C.
2. California
3. Oregon
4. New York
5. Washington
6. Illinois
7. New Jersey
8. Connecticut
9. Massachusetts
10. Colorado
Where are the worst states to work?
According to Oxfam America’s findings, these 10 states ranked as the worst places to work in 2025:
1. North Carolina
2. Mississippi
3. Alabama
4. Georgia
5. Tennessee
6. South Carolina
7. Texas
8. Utah
9. Wyoming
10. Louisiana
How did Oxfam America come up with its findings?
Oxfam America ranked the best and worst states to work in 2025 by looking at wages, worker protections and the right to form unions.
The group checked if workers earned enough to support a family; whether benefits like paid leave and breastfeeding breaks were available; and if workers could organize without fear of retaliation.
Data was collected from several sources, including the U.S. Department of Labor, state legislatures and the Bureau of Economic Activity.
