Governor Ron DeSantis proudly announces that Florida’s labor force has surpassed 11.1 million in January 2025, marking a significant milestone for the state’s economy
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida’s job market continues to show robust growth as Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that the state’s labor force exceeded 11.1 million in January 2025. This milestone highlights Florida’s economic strength and resilience, with steady job creation and expansion across key industries.
According to newly revised data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Florida’s labor force has been consistently larger than previously estimated, with an upward revision of 162,000 workers. This revision demonstrates that the state’s workforce has remained stable or expanded in 10 of the past 12 months, reinforcing a long-term trend of economic momentum.
“Florida continues to prove that leadership and conservative fiscal policies drive success,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We will keep the momentum going by insisting on reducing government spending, continuing to eliminate bureaucracy, and finding more tax reductions for Floridians.”
Strong Job Growth Across Industries
Florida added 113,600 jobs over the past year, reflecting a 1.3% growth rate. This rate surpasses the national private sector job growth rate of 1.2%, indicating that Florida remains ahead of the curve in employment expansion. Notably, the state’s unemployment rate has remained below the national average for 51 consecutive months, demonstrating a sustained period of job market strength.
The education and health services sector saw the largest job increase among major industries, adding 7,200 positions, which accounts for a 0.5% growth from the previous month. Leisure and hospitality followed closely, gaining 6,100 jobs, also reflecting a 0.5% increase. The manufacturing industry, another key driver of Florida’s economy, reached a total of 430,800 jobs, further reinforcing the state’s economic diversification.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ decisive leadership, Florida continues to generate wins,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “These revised numbers demonstrate Florida’s unique resiliency and the strength and efficacy of Governor DeSantis’ approach to economic and workforce development—creating an environment that promotes future growth and builds confidence in job seekers and job creators.”
Resources for Job Seekers
For Floridians looking for employment or career advancement, the state offers various resources aimed at connecting job seekers with employers and skill-building opportunities. More than 393,000 job openings are currently posted online, and multiple platforms are available to assist workers in finding employment:
• Employ Florida: The state’s labor exchange marketplace, linking job seekers with employment and training opportunities.
• CareerSource Florida: A network of career centers offering personalized career counseling, resume support, and skills assessments.
• Apprentice Florida: A collaborative initiative between the Florida Department of Education, Florida Commerce, and CareerSource Florida to expand apprenticeship programs.
• Veterans Florida: A specialized program aiding military veterans in transitioning to civilian jobs that align with their skillsets.
• Military Family Employment Advocacy Program: Provides priority workforce services for active-duty military spouses and family members.
• Military Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix: Helps military spouses transfer, renew, or reissue professional licenses for work after relocating to Florida.
• Talent Pipeline Portal for Aerospace and Defense: A career advancement tool connecting job seekers and employers in the aerospace and defense sector.
These resources ensure that Floridians have access to career counseling, job placement, and training programs to enhance their employment prospects.
Looking Ahead
The consistent growth of Florida’s labor force underscores the effectiveness of the state’s pro-business policies. Since May 2020, Florida employers have expanded their workforce in 54 of the past 57 months, creating a long-standing trend of economic stability and opportunity.
Governor DeSantis has maintained a commitment to reducing unnecessary government spending and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. With more than 11.1 million people participating in the labor force, Florida is poised to continue on a trajectory of strong economic performance.
For those seeking detailed job reports by region, updates are available for major metropolitan areas including Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Southwest Florida, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.
As Florida continues to push forward, job seekers and employers alike can take advantage of the state’s extensive employment resources, ensuring sustained economic growth and prosperity.
