Governor DeSantis Announces Ft. Lauderdale Metro Area Gained more than 30,000 Private Sector Jobs a 4.5% increase Over the Year

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that in May 2022, the Fort Lauderdale area unemployment rate decreased to 2.5 percent, down 2.6 percentage points from the year-ago rate of 5.1 percent. The Fort Lauderdale metro area added 33,000 new private sector jobs over the year, a 4.5 percent increase. The Fort Lauderdale area labor force also grew by 29,821 over the year, up 2.9 percent. The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were professional and business services, increasing by 9,500 jobs; leisure and hospitality, increasing by 9,300 jobs; and trade, transportation, and utilities, increasing by 8,800 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.       

###