The labor force in the Fort Lauderdale area has expanded by more than 7,000 individuals in February 2025 compared to the previous year, according to FloridaCommerce. This marks a 0.7% increase, alongside the addition of 6,500 private sector jobs, which represents a 0.8% growth in the same period. The gains were most significant in the education and health services sector, which added 3,200 jobs, and in trade, transportation, and utilities, which added 2,900 jobs.
Despite these job gains, the unemployment rate in the Fort Lauderdale area rose to 3.5%, up from 3.0% in February 2024.
Statewide, Florida’s manufacturing sector added 1,400 jobs, continuing its growth streak to four consecutive months. The state now hosts 432,000 manufacturing jobs, the highest total since 2002. Florida has experienced an increase in manufacturing establishments—now totaling 27,310—reflecting a 32% growth since early 2019. Over the past 58 months, job growth in Florida has been noted in 55 of those months.
The broader state economy also saw a rise in total private employment, with an increase of 7,200 jobs in February and 105,700 over the past year, marking a 1.2% growth rate. Florida has consistently outpaced the national job growth rate in 44 of the last 47 months, maintaining an unemployment rate below the national average for 52 months.
In February, the construction industry led job growth across major industries, adding 5,500 positions, primarily in residential construction trades such as electrical, painting, roofing, and plumbing.
Florida offers a variety of resources for job seekers, including the state’s Labor Exchange Marketplace, Employ Florida, and the CareerSource Florida network, which provides career counseling, skills assessments, and job placement support. Additionally, Apprentice Florida aims to expand apprenticeship programs, and Veterans Florida assists military veterans transitioning to civilian jobs. Other initiatives support military families and target employment in sectors like aerospace and defense.
For those seeking employment, almost 455,000 jobs are currently available online. The CareerSource Florida network and Employ Florida website offer guidance and resources for improving resume writing, interview skills, and career training.
Data and reports for the month of February can be found on various city-specific pages, including Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Southwest Florida, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.
For more details on the labor market and economic data, such as those contained within February 2025 employment reports, Florida residents are encouraged to visit Florida Insight.
