Seven Florida-based companies top the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual report assessing LGBT inclusion in Fortune 1000 companies and law firms across the nation.
Akerman LLP, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida based in Jacksonville, Carlton Fields Jorden Burt in Tampa, Darden Restaurants in Orlando,, Holland & Knight, Office Depot,Inc. in Boca Raton and Tech Data Corp. in Clearwater were those seven law firms and companies. The lowest company of the 21 ranked was Winn-Dixie Stores from Jacksonville which received a 45 score.
Officials with both Carlton Fields Jorden Burt and Blue Cross Blue Shield (a/k/a Florida Blue) were prominent supporters of the domestic partner registry which only recently was approved in Hillsborough County this year.
The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories:
- Non-discrimination policies
- Employment benefits
- Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBT diversity and inclusion
- Public commitment to LGBT equality
- Responsible citizenship
Here’s the complete list:
| Employer Name | 2015 CEI Rating |
| Akerman LLP | 100 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Inc. | 100 |
| Carlton Fields Jorden Burt | 100 |
| Darden Restaurants Inc. | 100 |
| Holland & Knight LLP | 100 |
| Office Depot Inc. | 100 |
| Tech Data Corp. | 100 |
| Adecco North America LLC | 90 |
| Harris Corp. | 90 |
| Jarden Corp. | 90 |
| Raymond James Financial Inc. | 90 |
| Carnival Corp. | 85 |
| HSN Inc. | 85 |
| Ryder System Inc. | 85 |
| Burger King Corp. | 80 |
| Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | 80 |
| Bloomin’ Brands Inc. | 70 |
| CSX Corp. | 70 |
| NextEra Energy Inc. | 70 |
| Ultimate Software Group Inc., The | 65 |
| Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. | 45 |
