FloridaCommerce has reported that the Jacksonville metro area leads in job growth within the education and health services sectors among all metropolitan areas. This sector saw a 4.7% increase, adding 5,900 jobs over the year. The region's private sector employment rose by 1.9%, equivalent to 13,300 new positions as of September 2024.
The unemployment rate in Jacksonville was recorded at 3.4% for September, marking a slight rise from the previous year's rate of 3.2%. The area's labor force saw a marginal decline of 0.2%, totaling 853,061 individuals.
Statewide, Florida continues to maintain an unemployment rate lower than the national average for nearly four years, standing at 3.3%. Over the past year, Florida added 175,600 private sector jobs with a growth rate surpassing the national average.
In September alone, significant job gains were noted in education and health services with an addition of 5,100 jobs (+0.3%), followed closely by construction which contributed another 3,600 jobs (+0.5%). However, Florida's labor force experienced a slight decrease of 0.1% since last year.
For those seeking employment opportunities or career development resources in Florida, several programs are available:
- Employ Florida connects job seekers with potential employers.
- CareerSource Florida provides personalized career counseling and support.
- Apprentice Florida focuses on expanding apprenticeship opportunities statewide.
- Veterans Florida assists military veterans transitioning into civilian roles.
- The Military Family Employment Advocacy Program supports military families with workforce services.
Following Hurricane Milton's impact on businesses across the state, immediate actions were taken by Governor DeSantis and Secretary J. Alex Kelly to provide support through various initiatives including deploying strike teams to affected areas and offering financial aid via emergency loan programs.
Hurricane recovery efforts include:
- Activation of a $50 million Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for businesses affected by Hurricane Milton.
- A Business Damage Assessment Survey for reporting damages caused by hurricanes.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance for those whose employment was disrupted due to hurricane events.
Resources like the Hope Florida Line are available for those needing assistance post-storm.
“Immediately after Hurricane Milton made landfall," stated Secretary Kelly, "Governor DeSantis directed FloridaCommerce small business strike teams into the field to connect with impacted businesses and provide direct support.”