~Leisure and Hospitality Industry Gaines Jobs Over-the-Year ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced the statewide number of private sector jobs increased by 18,800 over the month, resulting in twelve consecutive months of job growth. Florida’s unemployment rate slightly increased to 4.8 percent in April 2021, still remaining below the national average of 6.1 percent.  Florida’s labor force was up 73,000, bringing the April 2021 total up to 10,243,000.

The unemployment rate in the Fort Myers area remained unchanged at 4.6 percent in April, down from 15.0 percent reported in April 2020, the highest rate during the pandemic. The Fort Myers area private sector employment increased by 32,600 jobs over the year, an increase of 16.6 percent. The industry gaining the most jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality, increasing by 14,300 jobs.

The unemployment rate in the Naples area was 3.8 percent in April, down from 14.3 percent reported in April 2020, the highest rate during the pandemic. The Naples area private sector employment increased by 24,900 jobs over the year, an increase of 21.2 percent. The industry gaining the most jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality, increasing by 10,500 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 by registering 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 April 2021 employment data, visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.  

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