FloridaCommerce recently announced that the Miami metropolitan area experienced a notable increase in private-sector employment, with the addition of 22,900 jobs over the year in February 2025. This growth represents the second-highest job creation rate among all metro areas. The Miami area led in job gains in the trade, transportation and utilities sector as well as in construction, adding 9,400 and 4,400 jobs, respectively, in February 2025.
The region’s unemployment rate saw a modest increase to 2.6%, a rise of 0.6 percentage points from the previous year’s rate of 2.0%. The labor force in Miami decreased slightly by 0.1%, equating to 1,864 fewer workers compared to the previous year.
Statewide, Florida’s manufacturing industry also observed growth, adding 1,400 jobs in February 2025. This marks the fourth month of consecutive growth in the sector, with total manufacturing employment reaching 432,000 jobs—the highest since 2002. Florida now hosts 27,310 manufacturing establishments, indicating a 32% growth since the first quarter of 2019.
February 2025 saw a total rise of 7,200 private-sector jobs in Florida, a 0.1% increase on the month and a 1.2% increase, or 105,700 jobs, over the year. Florida’s job growth rate has continually outpaced the national average for most of the months since April 2021, and the state’s unemployment has been below the national average for 52 consecutive months.
The construction industry led all major sectors in February, with a 0.8% increase, adding 5,500 jobs. Growth was particularly strong in residential construction trades.
Florida offers various resources for job seekers, including the Labor Exchange Marketplace, Employ Florida, and the CareerSource Florida network of local career centers. Additional programs support military veterans and their families and offer career advancement platforms in aerospace and defense.
Data indicates that job availability remains robust, with nearly 455,000 positions listed online. Job seekers can access resources for job search, resume enhancement, and interview preparation at no cost, facilitated through the CareerSource Florida network.
Other metro areas, such as Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Southwest Florida, Tampa, and West Palm Beach, have also been included in February 2025 employment data reports. Further information can be accessed via Florida Insight, providing comprehensive labor market and economic data insights.
