MBA Career Growth THRIVING in Southwest Floridas Lee County

Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Job Growth Concentrated in Fort Myers Metro, Despite Hurricane Impact

According to the latest report from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Southwest Florida has seen significant job growth, particularly in the Fort Myers metro, also known as Lee County, despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Ian. In June alone, the county added 11,600 jobs over the year, with the private sector leading the way.

Notably, Collier County, or the Naples metro, gained 1,400 jobs, while Charlotte County, or the Punta Gorda metro, added 1,700 jobs. Combined, the three metros saw a total increase of 14,700 jobs, primarily in the private sector, demonstrating a 3% growth over the year.

Several industries experienced substantial job increases, including Education and health services, professional and business services, government, construction, and trade, transportation, and utilities. These industries accounted for a combined total of 13,000 jobs. The only industry that experienced job losses was leisure and hospitality, which saw a decrease of 600 jobs.

Collier County faced declines in the leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and trade, transportation, and utilities sectors. However, gains in education and health services and construction helped offset those losses. The reopening of The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, one of the region’s larger employers, also contributed to job growth by bringing back nearly 600 employees.

Despite industry challenges, Lee and Charlotte counties did not lose jobs in any industry last month. Both counties even experienced small gains in tourism. The overall unemployment rate in the five-county region in June was 3.2%, which remained the same as the previous year, but increased from 2.8% in May.

Among the five counties, Collier County had the lowest unemployment rate at 3%, followed by Lee (3.1%), Charlotte (3.4%), Glades (3.9%), and Hendry (5.7%).

The state of Florida has been making significant progress in terms of job growth. The labor force grew by 257,000 over the year, with a private sector employment increase of 296,100 jobs, indicating a growth rate of 3.6%. This progress is further emphasized by Florida’s statewide unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national average of 3.6%. Impressively, Florida has maintained the lowest unemployment rate among the nation’s 10 most populous states for 13 consecutive months.

Overall, Southwest Florida, and particularly the Fort Myers metro, has exhibited strong job growth, even in the face of the recent hurricane. The region’s diverse range of thriving industries, coupled with ongoing efforts to boost employment, contribute to its success as an attractive destination for job seekers in various fields.