FloridaCommerce reported that the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area’s construction industry added 400 jobs from February 2024 to February 2025. The Naples-Marco Island metro area saw a similar increase in its education and health services sector over the same period.
Despite these gains, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers region experienced a 0.6% decline in private-sector employment, losing 1,600 jobs. The Naples-Marco Island area also saw a 0.7% drop, amounting to a loss of 1,100 jobs. Unemployment rates increased in both areas, with Cape Coral-Fort Myers rising to 4.0% and Naples-Marco Island to 3.8%.
Statewide, Florida’s manufacturing sector added 1,400 jobs in February 2025, continuing a trend of growth for four consecutive months, reaching 432,000 jobs. Florida’s private employment increased by 7,200 jobs in February, and by 105,700 jobs year-over-year. These figures reflect a private-sector job growth rate that has exceeded the national rate in 44 of the past 47 months.
The construction industry added 5,500 jobs in February, driven by residential construction trades such as electrical, painting, and plumbing.
FloridaCommerce remains committed to supporting job seekers through various programs, including the Labor Exchange Marketplace, Employ Florida, and CareerSource Florida’s local centers. Initiative like Apprentice Florida promotes apprenticeship programs, while Veterans Florida supports military veterans in their transition to civilian work. The Military Family Employment Advocacy Program offers workforce services to military families, and the Military Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix assists military spouses with professional licensing. Additionally, the FloridaCommerce Talent Pipeline Portal connects job seekers with opportunities in aerospace and defense.
Florida reports there were approximately 455,000 jobs posted online in February, indicating available employment opportunities for those seeking work across the state.
For detailed employment reports and further assistance, individuals can visit CareerSource Florida or the Florida Insight platform.
