Governor DeSantis Announces Jacksonville Unemployment Rate Down 1.7-Percentage Points Over the Year in May 2022

Jacksonville, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Jacksonville area’s unemployment rate decreased to 2.3 percent over the year, down from 4.0 reported in May 2021. The Jacksonville area’s private sector employment increased by 36,100 jobs, or 5.5 percent, over the year. The Jacksonville area’s labor force also increased by 4.4 percent (+35,199) over the year in May 2022.

The Jacksonville area industry gaining the most jobs over the year in May 2022 was professional and business services, growing by 13,700 jobs. The Jacksonville metro area led all metro areas in job gains over the year in construction (+3,900 jobs) in May 2022.

In May 2022, Florida’s unemployment rate decreased by 1.9 percentage points over the year to 3.0 percent, and continues to remain below the national rate, which is currently 3.6 percent. Florida’s unemployment rate has remained below the national rate for 18 consecutive months and has declined or held steady for 22 consecutive months.

The state’s total private sector employment increased by 459,500 (+5.9 percent) over the year in May 2022, 0.8 percentage point faster than the national growth rate of 5.1 percent. Florida’s over-the-year private sector job growth has also exceeded the nation’s for 14 consecutive months since April 2021.

Data in the month of May continues to indicate there are many job opportunities available for Floridians throughout the state, with more than 499,000 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 May 2022 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.     

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