WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida’s labor market is displaying a mix of developments. The latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights a notable rise in the unemployment rate and continued job growth, painting a complex picture of the state’s economy.

Unemployment on the Rise

According to the report, in March, Florida’s unemployment rate climbed to 4.7%. This is a significant increase from 3.6% in March 2025, marking a 1.1 percentage point jump—one of the largest increases seen nationally.

Approximately 522,693 people are currently unemployed in a labor force totaling around 11.15 million. While this rise is concerning, the state’s unemployment rate remains close to the national average of 4.3%.

Job Growth Continues

Despite the increase in unemployment, Florida managed to add 28,100 jobs in March, reflecting a growth of 0.3%, per the report.

The state stands out as one of only three in the country to experience job gains during this period.

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Key Employment Sectors

The report states that Florida’s economy is heavily service-oriented, with total nonfarm employment nearing 9.99 million jobs.

Major sectors include:

Professional & Business Services: ~1.63 million jobsTrade, Transportation & Utilities: ~1.99 million jobsEducation & Health Services: ~1.62 million jobsLeisure & Hospitality: ~1.33 million jobsWhat Does This Mean?

The current labor market indicators present mixed signals for Florida. While job growth suggests short-term economic strength, the rise in unemployment raises longer-term concerns. This may indicate that the growth in the labor force or hiring pace isn’t keeping up with the number of job seekers.