The Tampa metropolitan area added 16,400 private sector jobs over the year in July 2025, according to data released by FloridaCommerce. This represents a 1.2% increase and marks the third-highest number of new private sector jobs among all metro areas in the state for that period.
Within the Tampa area, manufacturing led job gains among metro areas, with an addition of 1,600 positions. The education and health services industry saw the largest overall increase locally, contributing 5,600 new jobs. The unemployment rate in Tampa rose slightly to 4.1% in July 2025 from 3.9% a year earlier. The region’s labor force grew by 2,553 people over the same period.
Statewide, Florida added 7,300 jobs in July alone and recorded a total private sector employment growth of 118,900 jobs (a 1.4% increase) over the past year. State officials highlighted that Florida’s private sector job growth rate has surpassed the national average for most months since April 2021.
Industries across Florida with notable job increases in July included financial activities (up by 5,200 jobs), leisure and hospitality (up by 1,600), and government (also up by 1,600). Since May 2020, employers statewide have added jobs in most months; as of July this year, there have been job gains in 59 out of the last 63 months.
Florida’s unemployment rate stood at 3.7% for July—lower than the national average for each month since November 2020.
Resources are available to support job seekers throughout Florida. Employ Florida serves as a platform connecting individuals to employment opportunities and training programs. CareerSource Florida offers local career centers providing counseling and placement assistance at no cost to users.
Other initiatives include Apprentice Florida—which expands apprenticeship opportunities through partnerships between state agencies—and Veterans Florida, which helps military veterans transition into civilian employment roles matching their skills from service. Programs also exist to support military spouses with professional licensing needs after relocating to Florida and provide workforce services tailored to military families.
As of July data shows more than 408,000 open positions posted online statewide. Job seekers can use CareerSource Florida for help with registration on Employ Florida or for resume writing guidance and interview preparation.
Additional information about regional employment reports is available online for several areas including Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Southwest Florida, Tampa and West Palm Beach.
To view July 2025 employment data: click here.
For more labor market details: visit Florida Insight. A video guide explaining how to use data on this site is also provided by FloridaCommerce.
