This is a cautionary statistic as Collier County adds more leisure and hospitality jobs and operations. The state unemployment rate in July was 2.7%, reflecting 283,000 unemployed. Florida has 550,000 open jobs; contrasting that number to the 283,000 unemployed persons shows a large employment gap throughout the state.  
 
The July unemployment rate in Collier County was 2.8%, reflecting 5,249 unemployed. Collier County has a similar trend as the state with more open jobs than unemployed. Each month there are roughly 7,000-10,000 unique job postings in Collier County. Data projections show that growth in the 55 and over population in Collier County is expected to outpace growth in populations more likely to contribute to the labor force.

The Florida Chamber reports that Collier County will need 44,032 net new jobs by 2030, and that number is likely even higher. While addressing affordability remains at the forefront in the workforce discussion, upskilling workers and tapping into other segments of the labor force, such as previously incarcerated individuals or persons with disabilities, are steps employers can take now to build their employment base. The Able Trust reports that the labor force participation rate (LFPR) of Floridians with disabilities is 20.4% while the LFPR of Floridians without disabilities is 63%, highlighting the opportunity to foster a more equitable workforce throughout the state.