Governor DeSantis Announces the Orlando Metro Area Gained the Highest Number of Private Sector Jobs Over the Year in March 2022

Orlando, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Orlando area gained the highest number of private sector jobs among all metro areas over the year in March 2022 and had the fastest private sector over-the-year job growth rate. Orlando added 105,900 new private sector jobs, increasing by 9.6 percent over the year. In March 2022, Orlando’s unemployment rate was 2.9 percent, down 2.9 percentage points from 5.8 percent reported in January 2021.

The Orlando area labor force in March 2022, grew by 81,893 over the year, a 6.3 percent increase. The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were leisure and hospitality (+52,500 jobs); professional and business services (+21,000 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (+20,600 jobs). In March 2022, the Orlando metro area led the metro areas in job gains over the year in leisure and hospitality; professional and business services; and information.

Florida’s statewide unemployment rate dropped to 3.2 percent in March 2022, marking the 16^th consecutive month the state’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate, which is currently 3.6 percent. Florida’s labor force is experiencing steady growth, growing by 325,000, or 3.2 percent, over the year, faster than the national labor force growth rate of 2.4 percent. As of March 2022, Florida employers added jobs for the 23^rd consecutive month, and Florida outpaced the nation in private sector job growth for the 12^th consecutive month.

Data in the month of March continues to indicate there are many job opportunities available for Floridians throughout the state, with nearly 510,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities are encouraged to turn to the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance on how to register with Employ Florida and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers also can improve their employability by perfecting resume writing and interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers.

To view the statewide March 2022 employment data, visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.  

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