~Leisure and Hospitality Industry Gains Jobs Over the Year ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced Florida has experienced 14 consecutive months of job growth, gaining 69,300 private sector jobs over the month, which is more than double the revised May 2021 private sector employment gain of 34,600 jobs. Florida has gained 907,900 jobs since the height of the pandemic. For 11 consecutive months, Florida’s unemployment rate, currently at 5.0 percent, has remained below the national rate, which is currently at 5.9 percent. Florida’s unemployment rate has dramatically lowered over the year, decreasing by 6.6 percentage points.

The unemployment rate in the Fort Myers area was 5.3 percent in June, down from 11.0 percent reported in June 2020. The Fort Myers area private sector employment increased by 9,400 jobs over the year, an increase of 4.3 percent. The industries gaining the most jobs over the year include construction, increasing by 2,200 jobs; education and health services, increasing by 2,000 jobs; trade, transportation, and utilities, increasing by 1,900 jobs; and leisure and hospitality, increasing by 1,400 jobs.

The unemployment rate in the Naples area was 4.7 percent in June, down from 10.7 percent reported in June 2020. The Naples area private sector employment increased by 8,900 jobs over the year, an increase of 6.8 percent. The industries gaining the most jobs over the year include leisure and hospitality, increasing by 2,300 jobs, and professional and business services, increasing by 2,100 jobs.

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 the June 2021 employment data, visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.  

###