TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced that the number of private-sector jobs increased Statewide by 21,100, up 0.3 percent from November 2020.  Florida’s unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in December 2020, down from the revised November rate of 6.3 percent. Florida’s labor force was up 31,000 (+0.3 percent) over the month.

The Fort Myers area’s unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in December, down from 14.6 percent reported in April 2020, the highest rate during the pandemic. Two major industries in the Fort Myers area gained jobs over the year in December 2020: construction (+2,000 jobs); and professional and business services (+1,900 jobs). The Fort Myers area private-sector employment decreased by 9,200 jobs (-3.8 percent) over the year. The industry losing the most jobs over the year in the Fort Myers area was leisure and hospitality, decreasing by 9,300 jobs.

The Naples area’s unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in December, down from 13.4 percent reported in April 2020, the highest rate during the pandemic. Four major industries in the Naples area gained jobs over the year in December 2020: construction (+500 jobs); manufacturing (+300 jobs); financial activities (+200 jobs); and other services (+100 jobs). The Naples area private-sector employment decreased by 3,300 jobs (-2.3 percent) over the year. The industries losing the most jobs over the year in the Naples area were leisure and hospitality (-1,700 jobs) and professional and business services (-1,100 jobs).

To view the December 2020 employment data, visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.  

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