FloridaCommerce released employment data showing that the labor force in the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area increased by 3,739, or 0.3%, in March 2025 compared to the previous year. During the same period, the area also experienced a rise in private sector employment, adding 6,300 jobs, a 0.8% increase. The largest job growth occurred in the trade, transportation, and utilities industry, which added 3,800 positions.
The unemployment rate in Fort Lauderdale was recorded at 3.3% for March 2025, which is a 0.4 percentage point rise from the March 2024 figure of 2.9%.
Across Florida, the manufacturing sector reported job gains for five consecutive months, adding 1,900 jobs in March 2025. The state's labor force, now nearly 11.2 million, grew by 62,000, or 0.6%, over the year. The manufacturing sector's job count reached 434,600 in March 2025, reflecting an annual increase of 5,700 jobs, or 1.3%. Florida has seen an increase of 32% in manufacturing establishments since the first quarter of 2019.
Since May 2020, Florida employers have reported job gains in 56 out of 59 months. Over the past year, private sector employment increased by 113,600 jobs, or 1.3%, outpacing the national growth rate of 1.2%. Florida's statewide unemployment rate has been lower than the national average for 53 consecutive months since November 2020. For 46 of the last 48 months, the state's private sector job growth rate has exceeded the national average. Key job gains in March 2025 came from the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, which added 5,800 jobs, and the education and health services sector, which added 5,600 jobs.
Florida offers several resources for job seekers. These include Employ Florida, a platform connecting job seekers with employment, training, and education opportunities, and the CareerSource Florida's network, which provides career counseling, skills assessment, resume assistance, and job placement support. The Apprentice Florida program aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities statewide. Veterans Florida specifically aids military veterans in transitioning to civilian employment. Additionally, the Military Family Employment Advocacy Program serves military spouses and families, and the Military Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix assists with the transfer of professional licenses. The FloridaCommerce Talent Pipeline Portal supports careers in aerospace and defense.
In March, over 411,000 jobs were posted online across Florida. The CareerSource Florida network provides assistance to job seekers in registering with Employ Florida and identifying suitable job openings, as well as offering support for resume writing, interview preparation, setting career goals, and accessing custom career training at no cost.