Governor DeSantis Announces Orlando Metro Area Had the Fastest Over-the-year Job Growth Rate in Florida

Orlando, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Orlando area gained the highest number of private sector jobs among all Florida metro areas over the year in May 2022 and had the fastest private sector over-the-year job growth rate. The Orlando area added 90,300 new private sector jobs, increasing by 8.0 percent over the year. In May 2022, the Orlando area’s unemployment rate was 2.7 percent, a decrease of 2.6 percentage points from 5.3 percent reported in May 2021. The Orlando area’s labor force increased by 71,955 over the year in May 2022, an increase of 5.5 percent.

The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were leisure and hospitality, increasing by 44,900 jobs; trade, transportation, and utilities increasing by 19,300 jobs; and professional and business services increasing by 17,700 jobs. In May 2022, the Orlando metro area led the metro areas in job gains over the year in leisure and hospitality, increasing by 44,900 jobs; and professional and business services, increasing by 17,700 jobs.

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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