AFSCME Florida Statement on Recertification Win for Orange County Department of Corrections Medical Staff

Today, the dedicated staff that provides healthcare services to the inmate population at the Orange County jail voted overwhelmingly to recertify their AFSCME union voice. Florida’s Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) held two different mail-ballot votes. 

On December 10, 2025, the LPNs, Dental Assistants, Medical Assistants, Medical Clerks, Medical Unit Secretaries and Senior Corrections LPB had their ballots counted with 96% in favor of AFSCME. Today, the Licensed Mental Health Specialists, Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants had their ballots counted with 100% voting AFSCME yes!

AFSCME Florida Administrator James Spears, Jr. released the following statement: 

“AFSCME members will not let procedural technicalities get in the way of retaining their union voice and their seat at the table to help guide their futures. Local after local, unit after unit, year after year, we vote and we win. And it is especially important that these members, whose healthcare services help keep our communities safe, will continue to bargain for the equipment, safe working conditions and staffing levels they need to go home safely to their families at the end of their shift.”