In Florida , quitting because of distance

by Mike
(Deland Fl)

I am a residential construction super...The area I have been working in is being closed out because of the economy. The only project they have for me is 80 miles away one way...I would be putting close to 200 miles a day on my personal automobile.

Hi Mike,

Florida does not have a provision that directly addresses distance to work. The state will most likely look at the prevailing conditions for your type of employment in your locality.

They will be interested in whether the employer has offered anything to compensate you for the change in the conditions of employment such as a mileage allowance, gas allowance, maybe a per diem allowance for a motel or other accommodations.

Distance can and is a factor, but the type of job it is may also be considered such as yours. I do know people in the construction business who think distance is just part and parcel of their chosen profession.

The statute that will probably apply is:

(a) In determining whether or not any work is suitable for an individual, the Agency for Workforce Innovation shall consider the degree of risk involved to his or her health, safety, and morals; his or her physical fitness and prior training; the individual's experience and prior earnings; his or her length of unemployment and prospects for securing local work in his or her customary occupation; and the distance of the available work from his or her residence.

You can read the whole thing here.