TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — On Friday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ office announced Florida’s private sector job growth rate is accelerating at a rate five times the national average since September 2022. The national rate of job growth for the same sector increased at a rate of 0.1 percent, while Florida’s grew at a rate of 0.5 percent.
The percentages equate to just shy of 43,000 jobs created and the overall labor force grew by 280,000 jobs.
The data showed that nearly all of Florida’s major industries were adding jobs, except one: the information sector. The three industry sectors that gained the most were Education and Health Services which gained 89,600 jobs, Leisure and Hospitality gained 53,200 jobs, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities gained 46,300 jobs.
Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly stated in the official release that Florida’s growth is directly tied to Governor DeSantis’ “Freedom First policies.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to lead the nation in supporting all key foundations for the success of job seekers and job creators alike, and the Florida approach continues to show the nation how to best give confidence to job seekers and job creators,” said Kelly. “This month’s economic data is further proof that Freedom First policies – such as record investments in workforce education, modern infrastructure and workforce housing – are investments in opportunities for businesses and families alike.”
The report, released by the Florida Department of Commerce, previously known as the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, also stated that Florida’s adjusted unemployment rate was at 2.7 percent with a total of 295,000 jobless Floridians, while the national average was 3.5 percent.
South Florida was well-represented in the report as Miami-Dade and Munroe counties were the two counties with the lowest unemployment rates at 1.9 percent each. Conversely, Florida Heartland counties, namely Hendry, Hardee, and Highlands, had the highest unemployment rates at 6.6 percent, 4.8 percent, and 4.7 percent, respectively.
In all, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis touted Florida’s accomplishments at outpacing the national averages.
“Florida’s success is the direct result of freedom first policies that support business owners and job seekers along with record investments in workforce education and infrastructure that spur economic growth,” DeSantis said.
