TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced Florida has experienced thirteen consecutive months of job growth, gaining 595,000 private sector jobs over the year, and 839,800 jobs since the height of the pandemic. In May, Florida gained 35,800 private sector jobs and added more than 52,500 online job postings over the month.

Data in the month of May indicates that there is widespread job availability in Florida, showing that many Florida businesses are having a difficult time hiring enough staff -- there are currently 512,858 available jobs posted online throughout the state. Florida’s unemployment rate of 4.9% has remained below the national rate, currently at 5.8%, for ten consecutive months. The change in Florida’s unemployment rate (up 0.1% from April) reflects an increase in both confidence regarding job availability and active job seekers rejoining the workforce. Florida’s unemployment rate has dramatically lowered over the year, decreasing by 9.3 percentage points.

“Even after 13 consecutive months of job growth, Florida businesses continue to thrive and grow under Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership,” said Secretary Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Florida businesses are trying to fill vacancies and are actually having a difficult time hiring as evidenced by the more than 500,000 jobs available in our state. Businesses across the state continue to provide Floridians with opportunities for meaningful employment and economic freedom.”

Florida Economic Indicators for May 2021 include:

• Unemployment rate is 4.9 percent.
• Florida businesses gained 35,800 private-sector jobs over the month.
• Labor force was up 72,000 over the month, bringing the May 2021 total up to 10,314,000.
• Florida’s private sector employment increased by 8.6% over the year.
• Private sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-month were:
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities with 11,700 new jobs
  • Leisure and Hospitality with 9,200 new jobs
  • Professional and Business Services with 7,400 new jobs
  • Construction with 3,700 new jobs
• Consumer Sentiment Index was 81.6 in May 2021, a decrease of 1.4 points compared to the revised April figure of 83.

To view the May 2021 jobs reports by region, please see below:

Fort Lauderdale
Jacksonville
Miami
Orlando
Pensacola
Southwest Florida
Tampa
West Palm Beach

To view the May 2021 employment data visit: www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

Visit Florida Insight, for more information on labor market and economic data. Additionally, the Department has provided a video to assist users in explaining the data provided through Florida Insight and the new platform.

Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities are encouraged to turn to the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance to register with Employ Florida (EmployFlorida.com) and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers also can improve employability assistance, perfecting resume writing, interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers.

To view today’s presentation, please click here.

About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.

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