FloridaCommerce has announced that the state’s manufacturing industry reported job growth for the fifth consecutive month in March 2025. A total of 1,900 jobs were added, bringing the manufacturing job total to 434,600, marking an over-the-year increase of 5,700 jobs. The labor force, now nearly 11.2 million strong, saw an increase of 62,000 people over the year.
J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of Commerce, attributed the success to the leadership of Governor DeSantis, noting the significant investment in workforce education through the “Focus of Fiscal Responsibility” budget. This budget includes more than $10 billion aimed at workforce training, making Florida a leading state in this area.
Over the past 59 months since May 2020, Florida’s employers have successfully added jobs in 56 months, with private employment increasing by 113,600 jobs over the year, a 1.3% growth rate surpassing the national rate of 1.2%. Additionally, Florida’s unemployment rate has consistently stayed below the national average for the last 53 months.
The private sector job growth rate has also outstripped the national rate for 46 out of the previous 48 months since April 2021. The trade, transportation and utilities sector, as well as education and health services, were the industries showing the most significant job gains.
Several resources were highlighted to support job seekers in the state. “Florida’s Labor Exchange Marketplace, Employ Florida, connects job seekers to employment, training, and education while connecting job creators to skilled talent.” CareerSource Florida assists with career services, and the Apprentice Florida program aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities. Efforts targeted at veterans and military families were also emphasized.
For job seekers, data shows that over 411,000 jobs are currently posted online. Free services such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and career goal setting are available through the CareerSource Florida network.
The March 2025 jobs report is available for different regions including Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Southwest Florida, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. More detailed employment data and a video explanation of the Florida Insight can be found online.
