FloridaCommerce has reported that the Tampa metro area has experienced an increase of 13,700 private sector jobs, a growth of 1.0%, over the year in March 2025. This figure represents the third-highest job growth among all metro areas. The labor force in the Tampa region saw a rise of 7,206 individuals, marking a 0.4% increase over the same period. The education and health services industry led job growth, contributing 6,100 new positions.
The area's unemployment rate was recorded at 3.5% in March 2025, compared to 3.2% in March 2024.
Additionally, the Florida manufacturing sector has shown positive signs, with jobs added consecutively for five months. In March 2025, manufacturing jobs increased by 1,900. Florida’s overall labor force expanded by 62,000, which is a 0.6% rise compared to the previous year. The manufacturing sector reached 434,600 jobs, reflecting a yearly growth of 5,700 positions.
Since May 2020, Florida employers have added jobs in 56 out of 59 months, with private employment rising by 113,600 jobs or 1.3% over the year. This growth surpasses the national rate of 1.2%. Florida's unemployment rate has remained lower than the national average for 53 consecutive months since November 2020.
The state has seen its private sector job growth rate exceed the national average for 46 of the last 48 months since April 2021. In March 2025, the trade, transportation, and utilities sector added 5,800 jobs, followed by education and health services with an increase of 5,600 jobs.
In terms of resources for job seekers, Florida offers several initiatives. Employ Florida connects job seekers with employment opportunities, training, and education, while CareerSource Florida provides career counseling and job placement support. Apprentice Florida, a joint effort by the Florida Department of Education, Florida Commerce, and CareerSource Florida, aims to expand state apprenticeship programs. Veterans Florida assists military veterans transitioning to civilian life by aligning their skills with potential employers. Military Spousal License Reciprocity and the Talent Pipeline Portal for Aerospace and Defense are additional resources available to facilitate employment transitions for military families in Florida.
In March, the available jobs continued to outnumber those seeking employment, with over 411,000 jobs posted online. Job seekers are encouraged to utilize CareerSource Florida to improve their employability through resume writing, interviewing skills, and career goal-setting support, all provided at no cost.
More specific regional jobs data for March 2025 is available for various Florida locations including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando. For further information and access to labor market data, FloridaCommerce directs individuals to the Florida Insight platform, complemented by a guiding video.