~Jacksonville Metro Area Labor Force Up 55,426 Over the Year~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced Florida has experienced 16 consecutive months of job growth, gaining 19,400 private sector jobs over the month. In total, Florida has gained 990,400 jobs since April 2020. Florida’s unemployment rate of 5.0% for August 2021 dropped 0.1 percentage point from July 2021. For 13 consecutive months, the state of Florida’s unemployment rate has remained below the national rate, which is currently at 5.2%. Florida’s labor force also continues to substantially grow, increasing by 65,000 over the month. This shows the success of the state’s ‘Return to Work’ initiative as more Floridians are returning to work.

The unemployment rate in the Jacksonville area was 4.3 percent in August, down from 6.3 percent reported in August 2020. The Jacksonville area private sector employment increased by 28,300 jobs over the year, an increase of 4.5 percent. The Jacksonville area labor force in August 2021 increased by 55,426 over the year, a 7.2 percent increase. The industry gaining the most jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality, increasing by 7,300 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 August 2021 employment data, visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.  

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