Florida’s economy continues to remain strong as Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Friday that the state unemployment rate remained 3.2 percent in October while the private-sector job growth rate in the Sunshine State continued to outpace the national average.
“In October, the labor force participation rate has increased for the third consecutive month as Florida’s unemployment rate remains at a low 3.2 percent. Also, businesses created 22,800 new private-sector jobs in October. Florida’s annual private-sector job growth rate of 2.8 percent continues to outpace the national job growth rate of 1.5 percent,” the governor’s office announced. The national unemployment rate stood at 3.6 percent in October.
DeSantis said he would continue to fight to create jobs.
“Florida is the place to be – businesses and communities are growing and thriving,” said DeSantis. “To make sure we continue this positive trend, my administration will remain committed to policy that encourages opportunity and innovation.”
“Governor DeSantis is dedicated to making the future of Florida’s economy stronger and more diverse than ever,” said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Ken Lawson. “The investments we are making in our workforce and communities are paying off as the private sector continues to create jobs at a rate faster than the nation. Floridians should be confident that there are opportunities to grow and thrive.”
The education and health services sector has led the state with 59,800 new jobs over the past year followed by professional and business services with 41,800 new jobs, leisure and hospitality with 40,300 new jobs and construction with 25,300 new jobs.
Monroe County had the state’s lowest unemployment rate at 2 percent in October followed by Okaloosa County at 2.3 percent and St. Johns County and Walton County at 2.4 percent each.
Hendry County had the highest unemployment rate in the state last month at 5.8 percent followed by Hardee County at 5.1 percent, Citrus County and Highlands County at 4.1 percent each and Sumter County at 4.0 percent.
