FloridaCommerce has reported that the Tampa metro area experienced significant growth in private sector employment over the year ending in December 2024. The region added 17,500 jobs, marking a 1.2% increase, which was the highest among all metro areas in Florida for that period. The education and health services sectors contributed significantly to this growth with an addition of 7,900 jobs, while the information sector added 1,500 jobs.
The unemployment rate in Tampa stood at 3.2% in December 2024, slightly higher than the previous year's rate of 3.0%. The labor force decreased by 1.0%, equivalent to a reduction of 16,134 workers over the same period.
Statewide, Florida's private employment rose by 17,900 jobs from the previous month. The state has shown resilience following Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, adding a total of 64,700 jobs since these events. As a result, Florida now boasts an additional 29,700 jobs compared to September 2024 figures. Over the year ending in December 2024, Florida's private sector employment grew by 122,800 jobs or a rate of 1.4%, surpassing the national growth rate of 1.3%.
Florida’s unemployment rate remained at 3.4% for December 2024, consistently lower than the national average of 4.1%. "Under Governor DeSantis’ decisive leadership," stated J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce, "Florida continues to make gains for job seekers and job creators." He noted that policies like E-Verify have coincided with increased tourism-related employment.
Since Governor DeSantis enacted SB 1718 in May 2023, leisure and hospitality employment reached a record high of 1,340,500 jobs by December 2024—a rise of 29,500 from the previous year and up by 46,600 since May.
Job growth across various sectors also included trade (adding 4,400 jobs), professional services (adding 3,900 jobs), and leisure (adding another increment). These figures challenge assertions that strict immigration policies negatively impact economic performance.
Resources available for job seekers include Employ Florida's Labor Exchange Marketplace and CareerSource Florida's network providing career support services such as counseling and skills assessments at no cost.
For more detailed regional data on December's employment statistics or further insights into Florida’s labor market conditions via resources like Florida Insight videos can be accessed through their website.