Florida Is Growing. Charlotte County Is Building the Workforce for What Comes Next.
September 29th, 2026
Florida’s labor market continues to add jobs, giving businesses another reason to keep the state in the location conversation.
According to Florida Commerce, Florida gained 59,000 jobs from August 2025 to August 2026. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5% in August.
For companies considering a Florida expansion or relocation, statewide growth is only the beginning. The next question is whether a community can provide the people, connections and resources a business needs to keep growing.
In Charlotte County, we’re building around exactly those needs.
Building a Workforce for Growth
Workforce is one of the first questions companies ask when evaluating a location.
Through Careers on the Coast, our workforce attraction initiative, we’re connecting employers with recruiting tools, internships, apprenticeships, training resources, onboarding support and retention strategies. At the same time, students, job seekers and people considering a move to Charlotte County can explore career pathways and training opportunities.
That matters because a company’s workforce decision is not only about the people available today. It is also about the community’s ability to develop, attract and retain talent for tomorrow.
Connectivity Supports the Business Case
Access is another part of that equation.
According to Punta Gorda Airport’s 2025 passenger report, PGD served 2,282,002 passengers in 2025, an 18.5% increase from 2024. The airport continues to expand capacity while supporting Charlotte County with commercial service and general aviation access.
Nearby Interstate 75 adds direct north-south connectivity for employers, employees, suppliers and customers.
Together, those assets strengthen a business case built around workforce, access and room to grow.
Take a Closer Look at Charlotte County
Florida’s employment growth creates opportunity across the state.
Our job in Economic Development in Charlotte County is to make sure companies looking for that opportunity understand what is being built here.
Workforce development. Airport access. Interstate connectivity. Business support.
If your company is considering its next Florida location, put Charlotte County on the shortlist.
Sources
Florida Commerce, Current Employment Statistics
Current Employment Statistics
Florida Commerce, Local Area Unemployment Statistics
Local Area Unemployment Statistics
Careers on the Coast
Careers on the Coast
Punta Gorda Airport, 2025 Passenger Totals
PGD 2025 Passenger Report
AI-assisted content was used in the development of this article.
