Florida's Jobless Rate Holds Steady at 3.7% Amid Strong Workforce Demand

Vero Beach, Florida, USA - Florida’s job market remains stable despite a slight uptick in the unemployment rate. According to My Suncoast, the unemployment rate across the state held at 3.7% in May 2025. This figure translates to approximately 414,000 Floridians without jobs amid a labor force of 11.2 million. The Florida Department of Commerce released this report shortly after the Legislature’s approval of the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget, which secured funding for a state rainy-day fund.

In comparison, the unemployment rate was recorded at 3.3% in May 2024 and had dipped to 3.4% by December 2024 before rising again to the current level. Overall, it appears that Florida’s employment landscape is faring better than the national average, which stood at 4.2% in May 2025.

Employment Trends

Job creation has been a bright spot in Florida’s economy, with several sectors experiencing growth in May. Strong contributions came from wholesale trade, which added 3,600 jobs, and educational services that added 2,800 positions. The accommodation and food services sector followed closely, adding 2,600 jobs. Even as some sectors saw slight decreases—most notably in government and construction—overall employment trends are promising.

Jimmy Heckman, chief of workforce statistics and economic research, pointed out that there are no pressing concerns for workers in the state, citing high demand for labor. While the labor force saw a decrease of 4,000 jobs in May, it is still 42,000 individuals larger than during the same month last year, showcasing a recovering trend.

Regional Insights

Unemployment rates vary widely across the state, illustrating a patchwork of economic health. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area boasts the lowest unemployment rate at 3.1%, albeit up slightly from 3% in April. On the other end of the spectrum, the area including The Villages and Wildwood had the highest unemployment at 6%, down from 6.3% the previous month.

Here’s a glance at selected regional unemployment rates in May:

• Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall: 2.7%
• Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin: 3.3%
• Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford: 3.4%
• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: 3.5%
• Jacksonville and Naples-Marco Island: 3.6%
• Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach: 4.0%
• Gainesville: 4.1%

In the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford region alone, the civilian labor force data shows a workforce of 1,547,600 in April, reflecting a slight incline from previous months. The unemployment rate in this metropolitan statistical area has hovered around 3.4% recently, reinforcing a narrative of stability. The Orlando region is also noted for its diverse employment picture, encompassing various sectors like education, professional services, and leisure and hospitality.

Looking Ahead

As the state gears up for the next fiscal year, the implications of this steady economic atmosphere are encouraging. With funding in place for critical services and infrastructure, along with persistent job creation in key sectors, Floridians may have reason for optimism. Identifying and addressing concerns related to job loss in specific sectors, like construction and government, will be critical as the state navigates its economic future.

Despite the rise in the unemployment rate, the overall health of Florida’s job market does instill a sense of hope for the future. For more detailed statistics on employment trends in the Orlando area, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.