Florida has experienced significant growth in its manufacturing sector, recording the highest number of manufacturing jobs since 2002. According to FloridaCommerce, the state saw an addition of 1,400 manufacturing jobs in February 2025, marking four consecutive months of employment growth. This brings the total number of manufacturing jobs to 432,000.
The state is currently home to 27,310 manufacturing establishments, a 32% increase since the first quarter of 2019. Governor Ron DeSantis expressed satisfaction with these developments, saying, "When I became governor, we set a goal of increasing the number of manufacturing businesses and jobs in the state of Florida, and I’m happy to report we have succeeded beyond our wildest expectations."
Since May 2020, Florida has experienced job growth in 55 of the last 58 months. The private sector in Florida noted an increase of 7,200 jobs in February, leading to a total growth of 105,700 jobs over the past year. The state's private sector job growth rate has outperformed the national rate for 44 of the last 47 months since April 2021.
Florida's unemployment rate has remained consistently below the national average for 52 months. Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly attributed this success to strategic investments: “Under Governor DeSantis’ decisive leadership, Florida continues to be a national leader in economic success, generating job growth in key industries including manufacturing and construction.”
The construction industry also saw an upward trend, adding 5,500 jobs, driven by residential construction trades. To further bolster job creation, Florida offers various resources, including the Employ Florida marketplace, CareerSource Florida centers, and apprenticeship programs.
"The growth in manufacturing reflects the importance of making investments that promote job creation," Kelly said, highlighting the state's efforts in economic and workforce development.
Almost 455,000 jobs are currently listed online, offering numerous opportunities for Floridians seeking employment. FloridaCommerce's initiatives aim to help job seekers improve job readiness and connect with potential employers.
Further information and data reports from February 2025 are available for regions such as Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, and Miami. The Florida Insight platform also offers detailed labor market and economic data for the state.