FloridaCommerce has released employment data for May 2025, revealing developments in the Southwest Florida region. The Cape-Coral Fort Myers metro area saw an increase of 1,500 jobs in the education and health services sector over the year. Similarly, the Naples-Marco Island metro area added 300 jobs in the same sector during this period.
Despite these gains, private sector employment decreased by 0.2% in Cape Coral-Fort Myers and by 0.9% in Naples-Marco Island. The labor force also shrank in both areas with Cape Coral-Fort Myers down by 1,321 people and Naples-Marco Island by 2,309 people over the year. Unemployment rates rose to 3.8% in Cape Coral-Ft. Myers and to 3.6% in Naples-Marco Island compared to last year’s figures.
Statewide, Florida’s private sector employment increased by 22,900 jobs from April to May 2025. The manufacturing sector added 1,100 jobs as part of ongoing growth efforts. Notably, professional and business services gained the most jobs at 7,100 positions followed by trade, transportation and utilities; education and health services; and leisure and hospitality sectors.
“Florida’s private sector job growth rate has exceeded the national rate for 48 of the last 50 months since April 2021,” noted FloridaCommerce.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Florida as having the top economy nationwide for a second consecutive year while highlighting its economic growth and educational achievements.
Since May 2020, employers across Florida have consistently added jobs with total private employment increasing by approximately 134,500 positions over the past year up to May 2025.
For those seeking work or career advancement opportunities within Florida can access resources such as Employ Florida’s Labor Exchange Marketplace or CareerSource Florida’s network which provides tailored support including career counseling among other services without cost implications on users’ end.
Data indicates there are over 408 thousand job openings available online throughout different regions including Fort Lauderdale Jacksonville Miami Orlando Pensacola Southwest Tampa West Palm Beach among others providing ample opportunities across diverse fields within Floridian workforce landscape today according recent reports issued this month alone alone reiterating strong commitment towards fostering vibrant thriving communities throughout state overall now more than ever before
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