FloridaCommerce has reported that the Jacksonville metro area achieved significant job growth in December 2024, leading all other metro areas in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector with an increase of 3,900 jobs. Overall private sector employment in Jacksonville grew by 10,100 jobs or 1.4% over the year. Education and health services were the top contributors to this growth, adding 5,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate for the Jacksonville area remained stable at 3.0% compared to December 2023. The labor force was recorded at 842,067, marking a decrease of 0.7% or 5,929 individuals from the previous year.
Statewide data showed Florida's total private employment increased by 17,900 jobs or 0.2% from November to December. The state has fully recovered from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, continuing its upward trend in job creation with a statewide unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national average of 4.1%.
"Under Governor DeSantis’ decisive leadership," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, "Florida continues to make gains for job seekers and job creators." He highlighted that initiatives such as E-Verify have coincided with increased tourism-related employment.
Since Governor DeSantis signed SB 1718 into law in May 2023, leisure and hospitality jobs have reached an unprecedented high of 1,340,500 positions—a rise of 29,500 jobs from one year ago and an increase of 46,600 since May 2023.
The report also emphasized ongoing efforts to support job seekers through various programs like Employ Florida and CareerSource Florida's network of local career centers offering career counseling and skills assessments. These services aim to ensure that Floridians can find employment opportunities suited to their skills.
Additional resources are available for veterans transitioning to civilian life and military families relocating to Florida.