The Naples metro area private sector employment increased by 1,900 job year over year in October, a 1.2% increase, according to data from FloridaCommerce. The industry sector gaining the most jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality, increasing by 700 jobs. The Fort Myers metro area private sector employment increased by 900 jobs. The industry sectors gaining the most jobs over the year were government, increasing by 1,700 jobs; and construction, increasing by 1,200 jobs. The Naples area’s unemployment rate was 3.5% in October, a 0.3% increase from October 2023. The Naples area labor force was up 0.2% over the year. The Fort Myers area’s unemployment rate was 3.6% in October 2024, a 0.2% increase. The statewide unemployment rate was 3.3%.