FloridaCommerce has reported an increase in private sector employment for the Cape Coral-Fort Myers and Naples metro areas in December 2024. The Cape Coral-Fort Myers area saw a rise of 4,100 jobs, marking a 1.6% increase, while Naples experienced a 0.6% increase with an addition of 900 jobs. In Naples, leisure and hospitality led job growth with 500 new positions. For Cape Coral-Fort Myers, significant gains were noted in government (2,000 jobs), construction (1,500 jobs), and leisure and hospitality (1,400 jobs).
The unemployment rate for Naples increased slightly to 2.9%, up from 2.7% the previous year. Meanwhile, Ft. Myers maintained a steady unemployment rate of 3.1%. Both areas experienced declines in their labor force over the year.
Statewide, Florida's private employment grew by 17,900 jobs from November to December 2024, showcasing recovery post-hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. Over the past year, Florida added 122,800 private sector jobs at a growth rate surpassing the national average.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ decisive leadership," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly," Florida continues to make gains for job seekers and job creators."
Since May 2023 when SB 1718 was enacted by Governor DeSantis, there has been notable growth in tourism-related employment with an all-time high of 1,340,500 leisure and hospitality jobs as of December 2024.
Florida's Labor Exchange Marketplace offers various resources for job seekers including career counseling through CareerSource Florida centers and apprenticeship programs via Apprentice Florida.
With more than 387,000 online job postings available across the state as of December data indicates opportunities are abundant for those seeking employment.