The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) released its monthly unemployment figures, showing that the state’s unemployment rate is continuing to drop. Conversely, Florida is also seeing consistent job growth from month to month.
According to the report, Florida’s adjusted unemployment rate was 3.2 percent in March, a decrease by 0.1 percent from the previous month. The national unemployment rate was hovering around 3.6 percent.
All but two of Florida’s counties were below the national unemployment average: Highlands and Putnam counties. The county with the lowest unemployment was Monroe County, the home county of Key West and the Florida Keys, which came in at 1.7 percent.
Florida’s non-agricultural open jobs increased by 10,200 from the previous month, and overall, the state gained 497,800 jobs from March 2021 to March 2022. Additionally, all 10 of Florida’s major industries saw positive growth from year to year.
In terms of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), all of Florida’s MSAs saw year-to-year job growth except one, the Sebring MSA in South Central Florida.
Not only did job opportunities grow in the last year, but Florida’s labor force grew by 325,000 at a rate of 3.2 percent, compared to the national average at 2.4 percent.
DEO Secretary Dane Eagle said the policies of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) have advanced Florida’s economic standing.
“Governor DeSantis has led Florida in a positive direction by creating the most business-friendly environment in the nation,” said Eagle. “DEO is committed to supporting the Governor’s efforts and the state’s growth by connecting communities, businesses, and families to the resources they need to thrive.”
Similarly, DeSantis lauded Florida being a free state and the fact that Florida is outpacing the national averages in growth and unemployment reduction.
“The economic data underscores that Florida is outperforming the nation by protecting the freedom Floridians need to do business and drive economic success,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Industries like manufacturing continue to see growth because Florida prioritizes workforce development and expanding opportunities for businesses and families in our state.”
Every month in the past year, Florida’s private sector job growth rate has exceeded the nation’s.
By keeping our state open and protecting people’s rights, Florida’s economy is strong and opportunities for jobs are plentiful.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 15, 2022
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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at The Florida Capital Star and The Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
Photo “Ron DeSantis” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Background Photo “Florida Department of Economic Opportunity” by Michael Rivera. CC BY-SA 3.0.
