FloridaCommerce has reported that the West Palm Beach metro area’s education and health services sector added 5,100 jobs in February 2025. Conversely, the area’s private sector employment saw a decrease of 1,700 jobs, a decline of 0.3% over the same period. The labor force also reduced by 0.3%, translating to 2,366 fewer workers than the previous year. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate increased to 3.7%, up from 3.1% in February 2024.
Statewide, Florida’s manufacturing sector experienced growth, adding 1,400 jobs, continuing a positive trend for the fourth month in a row, and reaching a total of 432,000 jobs, the highest level recorded since 2002. The number of manufacturing establishments in Florida has increased by 32% since the first quarter of 2019.
Overall, private employment in Florida grew by 7,200 jobs (+0.1%) in February. Over the past year, it increased by 105,700 jobs (+1.2%). Florida’s job growth rate has exceeded the national average for 44 out of the last 47 months. Additionally, the state’s unemployment rate has remained below the national level for 52 months in a row.
Construction led job creation in February, with 5,500 new jobs, driven by residential construction trades. Florida offers numerous resources for job seekers, including the Employ Florida labor exchange and CareerSource Florida’s network, which provides career counseling and job placement support. Programs also exist to help military veterans and families transition to civilian employment, including Apprentice Florida and the Military Family Employment Advocacy Program.
In February, job opportunities remained abundant, with nearly 455,000 positions available online. For those looking for work or career advancement, resources like CareerSource Florida offer complimentary services, including resume and skills training. Information on various job sectors and employment opportunities is accessible through Florida Insight, which provides labor market and economic data.
More detailed employment data for February 2025 by region is available for several areas, including Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Southwest Florida, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.
