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FloridaCommerce Announces Florida Manufacturing Jobs Reach Highest Number Since 2002

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Florida’s manufacturing industry added 1,400 Jobs in February 2025, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth in the sector. Total manufacturing employment has now reached 432,000 jobs—the highest level since 2002.

Florida is home to 27,310 manufacturing establishments, representing a 32% increase since first quarter 2019. Since May 2020, Florida job creators have added jobs in 55 of the last 58 months, underscoring the state’s sustained economic momentum.  

In February 2025, total private employment in Florida rose by 7,200 jobs (+0.1%) over the month and by 105,700 jobs (+1.2%) over the year. Florida’s over-the-year private sector job growth rate has outpaced the national rate in 44 of the last 47 months since April 2021. The state’s unemployment rate has remained below the national average for 52 consecutive months since November 2020.

“When I became governor, we set a goal of increasing the number of manufacturing businesses and jobs in the state of Florida, and I’m happy to report we have succeeded beyond our wildest expectations,” said Governor Ron DeSantis . “Since 2019, Florida has added almost 50,000 new manufacturing jobs, and over the same period of time, we’ve increased the number of manufacturing businesses in the Sunshine State by more than 30%. These are good jobs; these are strong businesses. We need to be making things in the United States, and there’s no better place to make things than the free state of Florida.”

“Under Governor DeSantis’ decisive leadership, Florida continues to be a national leader in economic success, generating job growth in key industries including manufacturing and construction,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Florida to make strategic investments that play a pivotal role in economic and workforce development—creating an environment that catalyzes job growth and economic prosperity, generating and supporting opportunities for job creators and job seekers.”

Construction led all major industries in February, adding 5,500 jobs (+0.8%). The growth was fueled by strong gains in residential construction trades, including electrical, painting, roofing, and plumbing contractors.

Resources for Job Seekers:

  • Florida’s Labor Exchange Marketplace, Employ Florida, connects job seekers to employment, training, and education and job creators to skilled talent.
  • CareerSource Florida's network of local career centers offers tailored career counseling, skills assessments, resume assistance, and job placement support.
  • Apprentice Florida is a partnership between the Florida Department of Education, Florida Commerce, and CareerSource Florida to expand apprenticeship programs across the state.
  • Veterans Florida works to help military veterans transition to civilian life, connecting them with employers who are eager to hire them for jobs that align with the skills they gained serving in the military.
  • The Military Family Employment Advocacy Program delivers priority workforce services to active-duty military spouses and family members through Military Family Employment Advocates located in local career centers throughout Florida.
  • The Military Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix, a one-stop reference source for helping military spouses transfer, renew, or reissue professional licenses they need for work after relocating to Florida.
  • The FloridaCommerce Talent Pipeline Portal for Aerospace and Defense, a career advancement platform that connects job seekers and job creators within the aerospace and defense industry - propelling Florida forward.

Data in the month of February continues to indicate there are jobs available for every Floridian who wants to work, with almost 455,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities can utilize 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 February 2025 jobs reports by region, please see below:

To view February 2025 employment data, click here.  

Visit Florida Insight for more information on the labor market and economic data. Additionally, FloridaCommerce has provided a video to assist users in explaining the data provided through Florida Insight.

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