Governor Ron DeSantis touted Florida’s roaring economy Monday, announcing that the state’s labor force topped 11.1 million in January 2025, fueled by robust job growth across key sectors.
Manufacturing hit a high of 430,800 jobs, part of a 113,600-job boom (+1.3%) over the year, outpacing the national rate of 1.2%.
“Florida continues to prove that leadership and conservative fiscal policies drive success,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We will keep the momentum going by insisting on reducing government spending, continuing to eliminate bureaucracy, and finding more tax reductions for Floridians.”
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The private sector’s 1.3% growth since January 2024 edged out the U.S. average, with employers adding jobs in 54 of the past 57 months since May 2020. Florida’s unemployment rate, still under the national benchmark for 51 straight months since November 2020, underscores the state’s edge.
Education and health services led the pack, tacking on 7,200 jobs (+0.5%) from December, while leisure and hospitality added 6,100 (+0.5%).
Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly credited “DeSantis’ decisive leadership” for the wins.
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“Under Governor DeSantis’ decisive leadership, Florida continues to generate wins,” said Kelly. “These revised numbers demonstrate Florida’s unique resiliency and the strength and efficacy of Governor DeSantis’ approach to economic and workforce development—creating an environment that promotes future growth and builds confidence in job seekers and job creators.”
From apprenticeship expansions to license reciprocity for military spouses, the state’s toolkit is wide-ranging.
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