Broward County reports steady job growth with 6,800 new nonagricultural positions added over the past year in September 2025

Broward County, Florida – Broward County continued to demonstrate steady job growth in September 2025, adding 6,800 nonagricultural positions over the year and maintaining a low unemployment rate that remains slightly below the statewide average. According to the latest labor market report, the county posted a 4.0% unemployment rate last month, up from 3.3% in September 2024, but still 0.2 percentage points below Florida’s 4.2% rate. The labor force in Broward County reached 1,095,507, a modest increase of 662 people, while 43,439 residents were recorded as unemployed.

Nonagricultural employment in the Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Sunrise Metropolitan Division totaled 931,300 in September, reflecting a 0.7% year-over-year increase. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance highlighted this growth as a sign of the region’s continued appeal as a destination for businesses and talent. “Broward County continues year-over-year job growth in nonagricultural sectors, adding 8,600 jobs in September 2025. Interest in Greater Fort Lauderdale as a location of choice and the local expansions in our targeted industries remain strong and continue supporting the overall year-over-year job growth trends,” said Bob Swindell, president and CEO of the Alliance. He added, “We thank our many partners, investors and leaders at Broward County and our municipalities, who have been working with us to grow and diversify the economy.”

A closer look at the county’s industry trends reveals that five major sectors outpaced statewide growth. Other Services grew by 3.8%, Leisure and Hospitality by 3.2%, Financial Activities by 1.8%, Government by 1.4%, and Professional and Business Services by 0.9%. The Leisure and Hospitality sector in particular was a standout, adding 3,100 jobs and posting the fastest growth among all metro areas in Florida. Other notable growth occurred in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, as well as Other Services, both adding 1,400 jobs and ranking second statewide in annual job gains.

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Despite the positive annual figures, some sectors saw month-to-month declines in September. Construction lost 700 jobs (-1.3%), Leisure and Hospitality decreased by 600 positions (-0.6%), Manufacturing dropped 500 jobs (-1.6%), and Information fell by 100 (-0.5%). Overall, nonagricultural employment increased by 2,700 jobs from August to September, reflecting steady but uneven growth across industries.

On a broader scale, Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9% in September, up 0.1 percentage point from August and 0.4 points from a year ago. The state’s labor force reached 11,195,000, with 433,000 jobless residents. Total nonagricultural employment in Florida was 10,046,100, showing a modest monthly gain of 400 jobs but a more significant annual increase of 66,800 positions, or 0.7%. Nationwide, job growth was slightly stronger, rising 0.8% over the year.

Among the ten major industry sectors in Florida, six recorded over-the-year gains in September, including Health Services, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, Government, Other Services, Information, and Manufacturing. Conversely, Professional and Business Services, Leisure and Hospitality, Construction, and Financial Activities experienced slight declines over the same period.

Looking beyond Broward County, neighboring Palm Beach County posted a 4.3% unemployment rate, up from 3.5% a year ago, with a labor force of 786,282 and 33,858 unemployed residents. Nonagricultural employment in Palm Beach County increased by 8,600 jobs, a 1.2% gain over the year. Miami-Dade County, meanwhile, maintained a lower unemployment rate of 3.0%, up from 2.4% in September 2024, with 42,602 residents unemployed and nonagricultural employment growing by 6,500 jobs, or 0.5%, over the year.

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The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, which serves as Broward County’s official public-private partnership for economic development, continues to play a key role in supporting the region’s labor market. Its mission focuses on fostering economic growth, attracting new business, retaining existing companies, and facilitating workforce development. The Alliance provides services including assistance with business relocation and expansion, site selection, incentive programs, market research, and liaison support between CareerSource Broward, educational institutions, and the local business community.

Overall, Broward County’s labor market shows a continued trend of steady expansion, driven by growth in key service, hospitality, and professional sectors. While some industries face short-term fluctuations, the county’s year-over-year employment gains demonstrate resilience and underline the ongoing appeal of Greater Fort Lauderdale as a destination for business and talent alike. With support from regional partnerships and municipal leaders, the local economy appears well-positioned to sustain its upward trajectory in the coming months.