Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday Florida’s economy continues to grow -- adding 213,000 private-sector jobs over the year in August, while maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3 percent.
These positive economic indicators show that Florida’s low taxes and reasonable regulations continue to fuel job creation, the governor said. The news comes on the heels of the announcement earlier this week of strategic steps being taken to prepare Florida’s business environment and workforce for enhanced economic growth in expanding industries such as financial technology.
Positive economic indicators for August include these:
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Florida’s annual private-sector job growth rate of 2.8 percent continues to outpace the national job growth rate of 1.6 percent.
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The labor force continued to grow with 143,000 entering the labor force over the year, at an annual growth rate of 1.4 percent.
“We are continuing to make Florida the ideal location for businesses to grow and hire Floridians,” said DeSantis. “As we continue to develop our workforce, we are expanding industries that will pave the way for future careers. The financial technology industry is booming, and we remain committed to supporting its growth.”
Said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Ken Lawson, “Governor DeSantis is instilling confidence in our state by attracting a variety of new businesses from all industries that are ready to make jobs for Floridians. It’s important for the future workforce to feel prepared for emerging industries, including financial technology. We are committed to fostering an environment where businesses can grow, and Florida’s workforce can succeed.”
DeSantis identified other positive economic indicators in a written statement. Here are the private-sector industries that gained the most jobs in August (over last August):
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Education and health services with 62,800 new jobs;
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Professional and business services with 46,800 new jobs;
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Leisure and hospitality with 23,500 new jobs;
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Trade, transportation and utilities with 21,900 new jobs;
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Construction with 20,900 new jobs; and
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Financial activities with 18,700 new jobs.
Job postings showed 285,505 openings in August 2019
To view the August 2019 jobs report by region, click on these cities or regions of the state:
The employment date for August 2019 can be found HERE.
