Florida’s construction and building trades industries are facing mounting labor shortages, project delays, and higher costs as immigration enforcement and ICE raids increase at worksites. The sector’s heavy reliance on foreign-born, sometimes undocumented workers is intensifying the impact.
Data & Reports on the Labor Shortage
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Construction job openings nationwide are rising sharply. By the end of July 2025, there were 306,000 unfilled construction jobs, up 26% month-over-month and 33.6% higher than July 2024. Experts link part of this shortage to heightened immigration enforcement.
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In Florida, construction is a major driver of growth. A February 2025 ClickOrlando report noted that 38% of the state’s construction workforce is foreign-born.
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The Florida Builders Association projects that the industry will need hundreds of thousands of additional workers in the coming years to meet demand and avoid delays.
Impact of ICE Raids on the Industry
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An ICE raid in May 2025 in Tallahassee led to the arrest of over 100 undocumented construction workers. Following the raid, many workers reportedly became afraid to appear at job sites.
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According to Reuters, a project superintendent said that after hearing about the raid, about half his crew stopped showing up, resulting in weeks of delays and cost overruns.
The construction industry in Florida continues to grapple with the consequences of labor shortages and enforcement actions. Tomorrow, the discussion will continue with quotes from business owners, trade associations, and others in the sector, exploring impacts, industry responses, and potential outcomes if no changes occur.
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