FloridaCommerce data shows May unemployment rate holds steady at 4.8%

FloridaCommerce data shows May unemployment rate holds steady at 4.8% reports that Florida’s jobless rate held flat in May at 4.8%, matching April. FloridaCommerce, the state economic development bureau, released the figures showing no month-to-month change, but a notable year-over-year increase. In May 2025, the unemployment rate was 3.6%, while the national rate was 4.3%, also unchanged from April. The report counts 531,000 Floridians out of work from a workforce of 11.14 million, with seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment at 10.02 million, down 2,000 versus April. While nonagricultural jobs rose about 11,000 compared to May 2025, seven of 10 major industries saw negative year-over-year growth. Financial activities fell by roughly 15,500 jobs, government lost 9,200, and trade, transportation and utilities dropped by 6,900. Education and health added about 31,400, professional services grew 17,600, and leisure and hospitality increased 5,300. Among metro areas, Orlando gained 18,300, while Fort Lauderdale declined by 8,300; Miami-Dade recorded the lowest unemployment at 2.6% and Taylor County the highest at 8.1%.