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.
The unemployment rate in Tampa was reported at 3.6% for September 2024, a slight increase from 3.3% in September 2023. The labor force decreased by 0.6%, equivalent to a reduction of 10,107 individuals over the year.
Statewide, Florida's unemployment rate remains at 3.3%, continuing its trend of being lower than the national average for nearly four years. The state added 175,600 private sector jobs over the past year with a growth rate of 2%, surpassing the national average of 1.4%.
The education and health services sector led job creation in Florida with an addition of 5,100 positions from August to September 2024. Construction followed closely with an increase of 3,600 jobs during the same period.
Job seekers in Florida have access to resources such as Employ Florida and CareerSource Florida's network for career counseling and placement support. Programs like Apprentice Florida and Veterans Florida provide additional training opportunities and assistance for military veterans transitioning to civilian roles.
Following Hurricane Milton's impact on the state, Governor Ron DeSantis directed efforts to assist affected businesses through initiatives like the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program which offers $50 million in zero-interest loans to small businesses facing economic challenges due to hurricane damage.
FloridaCommerce deployed teams across numerous counties to support small business recovery efforts post-Hurricane Milton. Secretary J. Alex Kelly emphasized the state's focus on supporting small businesses: “Immediately after Hurricane Milton made landfall...Florida’s unwavering focus on small businesses and the workforce will ensure recovery to be efficient and robust.”
In response to Hurricane Milton, various programs have been activated including Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those whose employment was disrupted by recent hurricanes.