Florida leads nation in skilled trades demand pressure

Florida ranks first in the nation for skilled trades demand pressure, according to a new analysis from the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades. The state scored 95 on the group’s demand index, ahead of Arizona at 93, while its labor supply position scored just 26. Florida employs more than 1 million trades workers, an increase of 104,000 since 2019. Yet only 38% of registered apprentices completed their programs during the period studied. Skilled trades employment is projected to grow 12.3% statewide from 2024 to 2034. Industrial machinery mechanics and electricians are among the occupations facing the greatest structural shortage pressure in Florida.