ORLANDO, Fla. — FloridaCommerce announced today that the Orlando area private sector employment increased by 1.2 percent (+16,300 jobs) over the year in May 2024. The total nonagricultural employment in the Orlando area rose by 19,200 jobs (+1.3 percent) since May 2023.
The unemployment rate in the Orlando area was reported at 2.9 percent in May 2024, up 0.1 percentage point from April 2023’s rate of 2.8 percent. The labor force saw a decrease of 0.5 percent (-7,049) over the year since May 2023. Industry sectors with the most significant job gains were leisure and hospitality (+6,200 jobs) and trade, transportation, and utilities (+5,600 jobs).
Florida’s private sector job growth rate continues to exceed the national rate, with a 2.2 percent increase (+192,000) compared to the national private sector job growth rate of 1.6 percent. In May 2024, the construction sector led all major industries with an addition of 5,500 jobs (+0.8 percent) from the previous month, followed by education and health services which added 2,700 jobs (+0.2 percent).
“Job creators continue to demonstrate great confidence in Florida’s economic ecosystem through their investments,” stated a representative from FloridaCommerce.
Florida offers numerous workforce education and development opportunities for job seekers to acquire necessary skills for a competitive job market, ensuring long-term economic resilience.
Statewide unemployment stood at 3.3 percent in May 2024—unchanged from April—and remained below the national rate of 4 percent for the past 43 months.
Data from May indicates there are ample job opportunities available for Floridians seeking employment, with over 397,000 positions posted online. Job seekers can utilize resources like CareerSource Florida to find local job listings and improve employability through resume writing workshops, interview preparation sessions, career goal setting guidance, and customized training programs—all provided at no cost.
For detailed regional employment reports for Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Southwest Florida, Tampa, and West Palm Beach or to view additional labor market data visit: www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.
Further information on labor market data is available through Florida Insight along with an explanatory video provided by the Department.
###
