FloridaCommerce has reported significant job growth in the Miami metro area for September 2024, marking the region as a leader in private sector employment gains across all metro areas. The area saw an increase of 25,800 jobs, representing a 2.2% rise over the past year. The sectors contributing most to this growth include construction with 6,400 new jobs, leisure and hospitality with 6,300 jobs, and professional and business services with 5,300 jobs.
The labor force in Miami expanded by 22,052 individuals or 1.6% over the same period. However, the unemployment rate in Miami rose slightly to 2.1%, up from last year's rate of 1.8%.
Statewide, Florida's unemployment rate has been consistently lower than the national average for nearly four years and remains at 3.3%. In September alone, Florida added a total of 175,600 private sector jobs over the previous year. The state's job growth outpaces the national average with a rate of 2% compared to the national figure of 1.4%.
In terms of industry-specific gains within Florida for September, education and health services added the most jobs with an increase of 5,100 positions from August. Construction followed closely with an additional 3,600 jobs.
Job seekers in Florida have various resources at their disposal through platforms like Employ Florida and CareerSource Florida's network of career centers which provide counseling and placement support.
In response to Hurricane Milton's impact on local businesses, Governor Ron DeSantis mobilized small business strike teams under FloridaCommerce to offer immediate assistance. "Immediately after Hurricane Milton made landfall," stated J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce, "Governor DeSantis directed FloridaCommerce small business strike teams into the field to connect with impacted businesses and provide direct support."
Efforts included deploying agency employees across numerous affected counties to engage directly with small business owners. Financial aid through programs such as the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program has been swiftly allocated to support recovery efforts.
Resources for those affected by hurricanes include emergency loans and disaster unemployment assistance available through state channels.