FloridaCommerce has reported a growth in the Pensacola metro area's private sector employment, with an increase of 3,000 jobs over the past year as of September 2024. The education and health services industry experienced the largest growth, adding 900 jobs.
The unemployment rate in Pensacola was recorded at 3.5% for September 2024, marking a slight rise from last year's figure of 3.2%. The labor force in this area saw a decrease of 0.3%.
Statewide, Florida's unemployment rate continues to be lower than the national average for nearly four years. As of September 2024, Florida's unemployment rate is steady at 3.3%, with the state gaining an additional 175,600 private sector jobs over the year.
Florida's job growth surpasses the national average, recording a growth rate of 2% since September 2023 compared to the national rate of 1.4%. Over recent months, Florida has seen consistent job creation across various sectors.
In particular, education and health services led job additions statewide in September with an increase of 5,100 positions from August. This was followed by construction which added another 3,600 jobs during the same period.
For individuals seeking employment opportunities in Florida, resources such as Employ Florida and CareerSource Florida provide connections to training and job placement services at no cost.
Recently affected by Hurricane Milton, FloridaCommerce has been active in assisting small businesses across impacted regions. "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."
Efforts include deploying personnel to over140 communities and approving significant financial aid through emergency programs for businesses affected by hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby.
Additionally available are resources like short-term loans under the Emergency Bridge Loan Program and Disaster Unemployment Assistance for those whose employment was disrupted due to recent storms.