FloridaCommerce has reported an increase in private sector employment in the Orlando area by 16,000 jobs, or 1.2%, over the year in September 2024. The construction sector added 5,400 jobs and education and health services gained 5,200 jobs.
FloridaCommerce has reported significant job growth in the Naples metro area for September 2024, particularly in the leisure and hospitality sector. The region experienced an 8.1% increase, adding 2,200 jobs over the year. In contrast, Fort Myers saw a private sector employment growth of 1.2%, translating to an addition of 3,000 jobs.
FloridaCommerce has reported a growth in the Pensacola metro area's private sector employment, with an increase of 3,000 jobs over the past year as of September 2024. The education and health services industry experienced the largest growth, adding 900 jobs.
FloridaCommerce has reported that the Fort Lauderdale metro area gained the third-highest number of private sector jobs among all metro areas over the year in September 2024. The region also led in job gains in trade, transportation, and utilities with 4,700 jobs; government with 4,600 jobs; and other services with 3,700 jobs. The area's private sector employment reached 820,500, marking an increase of 16,500 jobs or a growth rate of 2.1% from the previous year.
FloridaCommerce has reported significant job growth in the Miami metro area for September 2024, marking the region as a leader in private sector employment gains across all metro areas. The area saw an increase of 25,800 jobs, representing a 2.2% rise over the past year. The sectors contributing most to this growth include construction with 6,400 new jobs, leisure and hospitality with 6,300 jobs, and professional and business services with 5,300 jobs.
FloridaCommerce has released employment data for the Tampa metro area, highlighting significant job gains in September 2024. The region saw increases in education and health services (+9,000 jobs), manufacturing (+1,400 jobs), and financial activities (+1,200 jobs). Over the year, private sector employment rose by 23,300 jobs or 1.7%, making Tampa second among all metro areas for private sector job growth.
Florida's unemployment rate has remained below the national average for 47 consecutive months, according to FloridaCommerce. The state's unemployment rate stands at 3.3%, with an addition of 175,600 private sector jobs over the past year.
FloridaCommerce has reported that the Jacksonville metro area leads in job growth within the education and health services sectors among all metropolitan areas. This sector saw a 4.7% increase, adding 5,900 jobs over the year. The region's private sector employment rose by 1.9%, equivalent to 13,300 new positions as of September 2024.
FloridaCommerce has reported a significant increase in private sector employment in the West Palm Beach metro area. The region saw an addition of 11,100 jobs, marking a 1.8% growth over the past year as of September 2024. The education and health services sector led this growth by adding 4,000 jobs.
FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for individuals affected by Hurricane Milton. This assistance is aimed at those whose employment or self-employment was disrupted due to the hurricane and who do not qualify for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Impacted Floridians are encouraged to file a claim through FloridaJobs.org.
FloridaCommerce has provided over $10 million in financial assistance to more than 242 small businesses in Florida affected by Hurricane Helene. This aid is part of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, designed to support businesses as they await other funding sources such as insurance.
FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, offering $50 million to businesses affected by Hurricane Milton. Small business owners in Florida seeking assistance can apply at FloridaJobs.org/EBL.
FloridaCommerce, in collaboration with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), has launched the Business Damage Assessment Survey to evaluate the impact of Hurricane Milton. This initiative allows business owners to report both physical and economic damages they have experienced due to the hurricane. The data collected will help the state streamline recovery efforts by understanding the needs of affected businesses.
FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. This assistance is aimed at those whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the hurricane and who do not qualify for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Affected Floridians are encouraged to file claims at FloridaJobs.org.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Major General John D. Haas, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, addressed the state's preparedness for Hurricane Milton at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
On October 6, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending a previous order and declaring a state of emergency across multiple counties in Florida. This action was taken in preparation for Hurricane Milton's expected landfall.
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the suspension of tolls in Central and West Florida, including Alligator Alley, to aid evacuations ahead of Hurricane Milton. The suspension began at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, and will last for seven days.