TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s education and health services sector emerged as the sole driver of job growth in the state over the past year, according to data released by the Florida Department of Commerce. In a report covering labor market conditions through February 2026, the sector added 35,000 workers, a 2.2 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year. This expansion was heavily concentrated in the healthcare and social assistance subsectors, which accounted for 29,900 of the new positions.
The growth in education and health services stands in contrast to a broader contraction in the Florida labor market. The Department of Commerce report indicates that the state lost a total of 36,700 jobs over the last 12 months, including a decline of 25,600 positions in the private sector. Consequently, the statewide unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent in February, up from 4.5 percent in January and significantly higher than the 3.6 percent rate recorded one year ago. The national unemployment rate for the same period stood at 4.3 percent.
Nearly every other major industry in Florida experienced a reduction in workforce over the 12-month period. The public sector saw the largest decline, losing 11,100 jobs. The leisure and hospitality industry, a traditional pillar of the state’s economy, fell by 10,300 positions. Construction employment decreased by 9,100 workers, while the trade, transportation, and utilities sector also reported a loss of 9,100 jobs. Financial activities saw a reduction of 7,500 positions, and the information sector shed 5,000 jobs. Manufacturing remained relatively flat with a marginal decline of 100 positions.
Despite the rise in the unemployment rate, state economists noted that the increase is partially attributable to shifts in the labor force rather than a wave of layoffs. Florida’s labor force grew by 17,000 people in February alone, and by 16,000 over the past year. Officials suggested that the rising jobless figures reflect a higher number of individuals entering or reentering the labor market who require more time to secure employment. Additionally, a lack of overall labor force growth over the long term has been linked to an increase in retirements among the state’s aging population.
Regional data showed significant variation across the state. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area maintained the lowest unemployment rate in Florida at 3.8 percent, a slight improvement from 3.9 percent in January. However, this remains higher than the 3 percent rate the region held one year ago. In contrast, several rural and retirement-heavy counties reported unemployment rates well above the state average, with some exceeding 7 percent or 8 percent. The state is scheduled to release its March employment figures on May 1, 2026.