The January 2026 labor statistics were released on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Florida’s unemployment rate increased to 4.5% in January 2026 (0.2% above the national rate), with all six North Central Florida counties exceeding the national average, ranging from 1.2%-2.3% points above. Despite unemployment rates increasing, top industries such as education and total government continued to experience increases in over-the-year job growth.
United States and Florida Unemployment Rates (seasonally adjusted)
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics Program, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Workforce Statistics & Economic Research.
Florida’s Unemployment Rates
As of January 2026, Florida’s unemployment rate was 4.5%, a slight increase compared to December 2025’s rate of 4.3%.
- Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate as of January 2026 was 4.5%, which is 0.2% above the U.S. rate of 4.3%.
- Compared to this period in 2025, the state rate is up 1.0%.
Florida’s Top Industries
Out of the ten major industries, two experienced positive over-the-year growth in January.
- Education and Health Services: +2.9% (+45,700 jobs)
- Manufacturing: +0.2% (+800 jobs)
The remaining eight major industries were shown to experience negative over-the-year job growth.
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: -0.3% (-6,200 jobs)
- Leisure and Hospitality: -0.4% (-4,800 jobs)
- Total Government: -1.0% (-11,600 jobs)
- Professional and Business Services: -1.0% (-15,900 jobs)
- Construction: -1.3% (-8,800 jobs)
- Financial Activities: -1.3% (-9,200 jobs)
- Information: -1.8% (-2,800 jobs)
- Other Services: -2.1% (-7,900 jobs)
Florida’s overall nonagricultural employment totaled at 9,975,300, representing an over-the-year decrease of -20,600 jobs (-0.2%) and over-the-month increase of 21,400 jobs (0.2%).
North Central Florida’s Unemployment Rates
Unemployment rates across the Local Workforce Development Board 26 counties were above the national average of 4.3%:
- Alachua County: 5.5% (7,928 unemployed)
- Bradford County: 5.8% (604 unemployed)
- Columbia County: 5.9% (1,652 unemployed)
- Dixie County: 6.5% (378 unemployed)
- Gilchrist County: 5.6% (458 unemployed)
- Union County: 6.6% (273 unemployed)
This reflects an upward trend in unemployment, ranging from a 1.5% – 1.9% increase in unemployment rates across the Local Workforce Development Board 26 counties in comparison to January 2025. These changes parallel nationwide trends.
Notable Employment Trends
- The Gainesville MSA gained approximately 1,800 (+1.1%) nonagricultural jobs over the last year. The unemployment rates for Florida by county, Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), and Metropolitan Divisions (MDs) for January, 2026 ranged from 2.6%-9.0%.
- Florida had the only statistically significant unemployment rate change (+0.2%) in the United States in January 2026.
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Thanks to resources like CareerSource North Central Florida, jobseekers can access support services, training, and job-matching assistance. Floridians seeking employment are encouraged to visit our network at www.careersourcencfl.com for more information. For questions or data requests related to this Job Market Update, email ag***@**************fl.com.
CareerSource North Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. Programs funded by CareerSource NCFL as a grantee of the U.S. Department of Labor. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network. Local Workforce Development Board 26.
