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.
The growth in Florida's private sector jobs is outpacing the national average, with a growth rate of 2% compared to the national rate of 1.4%. Job creation has been consistent, with gains in 50 of the last 53 months. In September, the education and health services sector led job gains with an increase of 5,100 jobs, followed by construction with 3,600 new positions.
Despite a slight decline in the labor force by 0.1% over the year, resources are available for job seekers through platforms like Employ Florida and CareerSource Florida's network. These services offer career counseling, skills assessments, resume assistance, and job placement support at no cost.
FloridaCommerce is also focusing on business recovery following Hurricane Milton. "Immediately after Hurricane Milton made landfall, Governor DeSantis directed FloridaCommerce small business strike teams into the field to connect with impacted businesses and provide direct support," said J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce.
Efforts included deploying agency employees to hurricane-impacted communities for business-to-business canvassing and providing information about available support. Financial aid through programs like the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program has been significant, with millions approved for businesses affected by recent hurricanes.
Recovery resources include zero-interest loans for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton and Disaster Unemployment Assistance for those whose employment was disrupted by recent storms.