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.
The unemployment rate in Orlando was recorded at 3.4% for September 2024, which marks a rise of 0.3 percentage points from the previous year. The labor force experienced a decline of 0.9%, equating to a reduction of approximately 13,089 individuals since September 2023.
Statewide, Florida's unemployment rate has remained below the national average for nearly four years, currently standing at 3.3%. Over the past year, Florida has seen an addition of 175,600 private sector jobs with a growth rate of 2%, surpassing the national average of 1.4%.
Among major industries statewide, education and health services saw the largest job increase with an additional 5,100 positions from August to September this year. The construction industry followed closely with an increase of 3,600 jobs during the same period.
Job seekers in Florida can utilize resources such as Employ Florida and CareerSource Florida's network for career counseling and job placement support. Programs like Apprentice Florida aim to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the state.
In response to Hurricane Milton's impact on small businesses across Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis directed immediate assistance through FloridaCommerce small business strike teams. "Immediately after Hurricane Milton made landfall," stated J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of Commerce for FloridaCommerce, "Governor DeSantis directed FloridaCommerce small business strike teams into the field to connect with impacted businesses and provide direct support."
FloridaCommerce has deployed employees to various counties affected by hurricanes and approved significant funding through emergency programs for businesses impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby.
Additional hurricane recovery resources include short-term loans through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program and Disaster Unemployment Assistance for those whose employment was affected by recent hurricanes.