EX-OFFENDER CONSIDERATION AND OPPORTUNITY

Jacksonville Ordinance Code tit. V, ch. 116, pt. 16

in effect

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 116.1601 Statement of Policy.

Sec. 116.1601. - Statement of Policy. It is the policy of the City of Jacksonville that the rehabilitation of ex-offenders is an essential component in a community fight against criminal activity; the hiring of ex-offenders into fair paying jobs helps restore the economic stability of ex-offenders, perpetuates their rehabilitation, reduces recidivism and contributes to a community crime free environment; providing consideration and opportunities to ex-offenders in City of Jacksonville employment can be accomplished without compromising the security of the City and its citizens, or unnecessarily depriving others of opportunities; and the City of Jacksonville should take a leading role in the rehabilitation of ex-offenders. (Ord. 2008-911-E, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 116.1602 Definitions.

Sec. 116.1602. - Definitions. (a) Ex-offender is a convicted person who, after sentencing, has either not been incarcerated or has completed a period of incarceration, all within three (3) years of sentencing or the completion of incarceration, whichever is later. (b) Convicted means having pled guilty, no contest or nolo contendere to a felony offense; or having been found guilty of a felony offense by a judge or jury; regardless of adjudication of guilt. (Ord. 2008-911-E, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 116.1603 Consideration in hiring or appointment.

Sec. 116.1603. - Consideration in hiring or appointment. (a) The departments and divisions of the City of Jacksonville shall give full and fair consideration in appointment in positions of employment to those ex-offenders: (1) Who otherwise qualify in all respects for the position sought; and (2) Who do not impose a special risk to the City, fellow workers, or citizens, by virtue of the nature of the offense as it directly relates to the position sought; and (3) Who have demonstrated rehabilitation through documented work experience or having completed a rehabilitation program conducted for ex-offenders in regard to entrance employment skills and transition to the workforce. (b) The Human Resources Division shall adopt rules to develop criteria to identify or specify documented work experience or completion of rehabilitation pursuant to Section 116.1603(a)(3) and to ensure that qualifying ex-offenders are given full and fair consideration in the employing department or division's selection processes. The Division shall present such rules to the Council for approval within four (4) months of the enactment of Ordinance 2008-911-E. The Division shall perform an analysis on the hiring practices and results of the City to determine how many ex-offenders were hired and to review why some ex-offenders may have been excluded. (c) This Section shall apply only to eligible persons who are described herein and who are residents of the City of Jacksonville. (d) The following positions are exempt from this Section: (1) All positions exempt from civil service; (2) Positions in the City of Jacksonville that require licensure as a physician; positions that require that the employee be a member of The Florida Bar; and any position in law enforcement or corrections. (Ord. 2008-911-E, § 1)

Source: City of Jacksonville, Ordinance Code and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/fl/jacksonville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITVADPE_CH116EMEMBE_PT16FECOOPFetched: 10/27/2026