As Florida’s population continues to grow and demand for health care services rises, hospitals across the state are reporting significant advancements in strengthening the Sunshine State’s health care workforce.

The newly released 2025 Annual Workforce Report from the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) shows hospitals have added nearly 65,000 jobs since 2020, while sharply reducing vacancy and turnover rates for nurses and allied health care professionals.

Registered nurse vacancy rates have dropped 52%, and turnover rates are down 47% since 2022. During the same timeframe, allied health professional vacancy rates have fallen to 21%, and turnover rates have been cut nearly in half, though shortages remain in specific high-demand roles.

The report follows Governor Ron DeSantis’ announcement this week that Florida has invested $485 million in nursing education programs. The announcement, according to the FHA, demonstrates the state’s commitment to building a strong health care workforce.

“Florida’s hospitals have made remarkable progress in strengthening our workforce, but more work lies ahead as the demand for health care grows and evolves,” said Mary C. Mayhew, FHA president and CEO. “Sustaining this momentum through expanding training pathways, enhancing hiring efforts, and retaining the existing workforce is critical to caring for Florida’s rapidly growing population.”

Hospitals expect the state’s growing and aging population to drive demand for care. According to the report, Florida is home to more than 4.5 million residents aged 65 and older—a demographic expected to reach 6.7 million by 2036, or 26% of the state’s total population. With many health care workers nearing retirement, ensuring a strong pipeline of health care workers is a high priority.

FHA’s 2021 Florida Nurse Workforce Projections study estimated that without intervention, the state could face a shortage of 59,100 nurses by 2035. Since 2022, the Florida Legislature has invested more than $500 million through the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) and Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) programs. According to the FHA, 157 hospitals have participated and provided matching funds to support nursing education.

“The gains we see in Florida’s health care workforce demonstrate what can be achieved through leadership, innovation, and strong partnerships between our state’s hospitals, leaders, and educational institutions,” Mayhew said.

Hospitals are partnering with high schools to support health care certificate programs, collaborating with colleges on Earn While You Learn initiatives, and enhancing mentorship and training programs to build a robust health care workforce.

Hospitals are also among the largest employers across many Florida communities, supporting their local economies and sustaining additional jobs. The report notes that while other sectors have reduced staffing, hospitals have added patient care roles.

FHA’s analysis draws on a full year of workforce data from 132 hospitals, representing nearly half of the state’s hospital beds. While gaps remain in various roles, the findings show Florida is building a more sustainable health care workforce.

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