ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida construction industry is facing a major crisis.
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Florida says if something isn’t done, there could be a shortage of nearly two-million construction workers over the next decade.
One organization in Northwest Florida is taking action now to try and help fill that gap. They are increasing the number of scholarships, but WEAR News was told there are still too few students showing interest.
As Florida’s construction industry booms, the workforce behind it is struggling to keep up. According to the ABC Florida, the industry needs 439,000 new workers by the end of the year to meet the existing demand.
“It’s not a surprise whatsoever,” said Mary Jordan.
Jordan sits as the chair of the Trades Council for the Homebuilders Association of West Florida. The council is aimed at enticing prospective students to join the trades. He says for every five people retiring from the industry, only one joins the workforce.
WEAR News was told the shortage isn’t for a lack of opportunity. Jordan says the homebuilders association offers a scholarship to pay the first installment for students studying a trade. They currently can’t find any recipients.
“Right now, we’ve got about 12,000 just sitting waiting for somebody to apply for it,” Jordan said. “…I believe it’s somewhere around 90% of contractors across the U.S. are reporting difficulty in hiring in the skilled craft profession.”
Kelvin Enfinger is a local builder and the state chairman for ABC Florida. He says those startling numbers will get even worse by next year.
“Right now, we’re anticipating that number to rise in 2026 to 500,000 workers nationwide needed to meet the demand for the industry,” Enfinger said.
WEAR News called several construction companies Tuesday and was told by many the issue stems from the stigmas behind vocational work.
“I’m Gen X, my parents beat into me my entire life you’re gonna go to college and not dig a ditch,” Jordan said. “Well, we still need people who can dig ditches. We still need people to wire up the houses you want to buy.”
“We need to get back to the middle school students,” she said. “We gotta get back to mom and dad, promote skilled trades.”
While more parents are encouraging their children to pursue a trade versus student debt, the demand is still far greater than the supply.
“Gen Z generation is now known as the toolbelt generation because they’re the ones actually in the mindset of instead of college they’re looking at vocational schools,” said Jordan.
WEAR: “So you are seeing a shift?”
Jordan: “There is some shift. But I don’t think it’s shifting fast enough not to keep up.”
Industry leaders say it starts by rebranding the trades, showing parents and students the potential of walking into a profession without crippling student debt.