Florida’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.7 percent in June, unchanged from the previous month but up 0.3 percentage point from a year earlier, according to figures released Friday by the Department of Commerce.
The state’s jobless rate remains below the national average of 4.1 percent, with approximately 415,000 Floridians unemployed out of a labor force of just over 11.19 million.
Total nonagricultural employment in Florida stood at 10.06 million, a decrease of 20,000 jobs from May. Despite the monthly decline, the state added 142,300 jobs over the year, reflecting a 1.4 percent increase and slightly outpacing national job growth of 1.1 percent over the same period.
“Florida’s strong economy continues to lead the nation,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Building on this momentum—from targeted infrastructure investments to reducing regulatory burdens and supporting workforce innovation—Florida remains focused on long-term growth that benefits families, entrepreneurs and businesses across the state.”
Education and health services posted the strongest year-over-year gains, adding 49,200 jobs, followed by trade, transportation and utilities, which increased by 27,200. Leisure and hospitality, along with government and professional services, also recorded moderate growth. All ten major private sectors showed net annual job gains, though several, including financial activities and manufacturing, posted minimal changes.
The largest job losses in June occurred in leisure and hospitality (−8,100), professional and business services (−6,100), and financial activities (−2,800). Employment in construction and manufacturing also contracted slightly.
Miami-Dade County reported the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.4 percent, followed by Monroe County at 2.7 percent. Sumter County posted the highest rate at 6.9 percent, with Taylor and Citrus counties also exceeding 5.5 percent.
At the metro level, the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford region led the state in job growth with 31,600 new positions, while the Miami and Tampa metro divisions added 20,300 and 14,700 jobs, respectively. Two areas, Panama City and Crestview-Fort Walton Beach, reported year-over-year declines, while employment in Pensacola remained flat.
The next statewide labor market update is scheduled for August 15.
