FloridaCommerce has reported that the Tampa metro area led all metropolitan regions in job growth over the past year in two sectors: education and health services, which added 8,500 jobs, and manufacturing, which gained 1,000 jobs. In October 2024, private sector employment in Tampa increased by 3,900 jobs or 0.3% compared to the previous year.
The unemployment rate in Tampa was recorded at 3.8% for October 2024, a rise of 0.5 percentage points from the same month last year when it stood at 3.3%. The labor force in the area saw a decline of 1.4%, equating to a reduction of approximately 24,260 individuals.
Statewide, Florida's unemployment rate has been consistently lower than the national average for four years straight, with a current rate of 3.3%. In October alone, Florida added over 107,600 private sector jobs compared to the previous year.
Several resources are available for job seekers across Florida:
- Employ Florida connects job seekers with employment opportunities and training.
- CareerSource Florida offers career counseling and job placement support.
- Apprentice Florida expands apprenticeship programs through collaboration between various state departments.
- Veterans Florida aids military veterans transitioning to civilian roles.
- The Military Family Employment Advocacy Program provides workforce services to military families.
As of October, there were more than 380,000 job listings online across Florida. Job seekers can access free services such as resume writing assistance and career training through CareerSource Florida.
For small businesses affected by recent hurricanes like Debby, Helene, and Milton since August, more than $52 million has been approved through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. This initiative provides short-term loans to help businesses maintain payrolls and reopen swiftly after storm damage.
Additional recovery resources include:
- A Business Damage Assessment Survey for Hurricane Milton impact assessment.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance for those whose employment was disrupted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
- The Hope Florida Line offers post-storm assistance resources at 833-GET-HOPE.