ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — Florida’s construction sector is accelerating faster than the workforce can sustain, prompting growing concern among industry experts who warn the shortage could intensify into a long-term crisis.
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Florida estimates the state could see nearly two million construction workers lacking over the next decade if significant interventions aren’t made. The organization says immediate action is needed to prevent stalled projects, rising construction costs, and delays in the state’s booming housing market.
In Northwest Florida, local leaders are ramping up initiatives to attract young workers into skilled trades, including expanding scholarship opportunities. However, they say student interest remains far lower than expected.
According to ABC Florida, the demand is urgent. The organization estimates 439,000 new workers are needed by the end of 2025 just to keep pace with current construction growth.
“It’s not a surprise whatsoever,” said Mary Jordan.
Jordan, who chairs the Trades Council for the Homebuilders Association of West Florida, emphasized the concerning workforce imbalance. For every five veteran workers retiring, just one new worker is entering the field.
Industry leaders say the shortage is not due to a lack of opportunities—or financial support. The Homebuilders Association offers funding to cover the first installment of a trade school education, but there are no recipients coming forward.
“Right now, we’ve got about 12,000 just sitting waiting for somebody to apply for it,” Jordan said. “...I believe it’s somewhere around 90% of contractors across the U.S. are reporting difficulty in hiring in the skilled craft profession.”
Kelvin Enfinger, local builder and state chairman for ABC Florida, said the situation could escalate further within a year.
“Right now, we’re anticipating that number to rise in 2026 to 500,000 workers nationwide needed to meet the demand for the industry,” Enfinger said.
Multiple companies told WEAR News that cultural perceptions of trade careers remain a stubborn barrier. For decades, many parents pushed college-only paths, causing essential construction roles to be overlooked.
“I’m Gen X, my parents beat into me my entire life you’re gonna go to college and not dig a ditch,” Jordan said. “Well, we still need people who can dig ditches. We still need people to wire up the houses you want to buy.”
Leaders say outreach needs to start early to change the narrative around construction careers.
“We need to get back to the middle school students,” she said. “We gotta get back to mom and dad, promote skilled trades.”
Despite progress in reducing stigma, the supply still trails far behind employer demand. Still, Jordan says younger generations may be shifting their attitudes.
“Gen Z generation is now known as the toolbelt generation because they’re the ones actually in the mindset of instead of college they’re looking at vocational schools,” said Jordan.
Industry experts warn that without an expanded workforce, the ripple effects could be severe:
✅ Housing affordability issues could worsen
✅ Major infrastructure projects may face delays
✅ Contractors may be forced to slow down or cancel expansion plans
Meanwhile, state and industry groups are working on:
Economic analysts say Florida’s construction labor shortage reflects a national challenge—but the stakes are especially high in a fast-growing state with massive residential and commercial development underway.
Originally reported by Tanner Stewart in Wear News 3.
