Despite Hurricane Michael hitting the state, the unemployment rate in October dropped to 3.4 percent, the lowest it has been since the start of 2007.
The national unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in October. In September, the unemployment rate in Florida stood at 3.5 percent.
Gov. Rick Scott noted that more than 21,000 jobs were created in October, meaning almost 1.65 million jobs were added in Florida since he took over in Tallahassee at the start of 2011.
“Over the last eight years, we have recovered from a recession and rebuilt a strong and resilient economy that attracts businesses from all industries to create great jobs for Floridians,” Scott said on Friday. “Every Floridian can be proud of our state’s incredible success, which has now driven down unemployment to just 3.4 percent – the lowest it has been since January 2007. Today, with more than 1.64 million jobs created since December 2010, we all see the importance of continuing to cut taxes and attract companies to Florida so people can live their dreams and support their families in the Sunshine State.”
Cissy Proctor, the executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, insisted the economic outlook remains good in the Sunshine State, especially as job growth in Florida continues to exceed the national average.
“Florida’s economy is strong and growing. Governor Scott’s leadership and commitment to job creation in our state has helped millions of Floridians live the American Dream,” Proctor said.
In the past year, the education and health services sector has led the way in Florida with 51,300 new jobs with the leisure and hospitality industry right on its heels with 51,100 new jobs. Construction has added 43,400 new jobs in the Sunshine State while professional and business services have added 30,100 new jobs and the trade, transportation and utilities sector has created 25,300 new jobs.
Monroe County and Okaloosa County had the state’s lowest unemployment rate at 2.4 percent each in October followed by St. Johns County, Walton County and Wakulla County where the rate stood at 2.5 percent in all of those counties. Hendry County had the highest unemployment rate in Florida in October at 5.4 percent followed by Hardee County at 4.5 percent and Citrus County and Sumter County with both counties having a 4.3 percent unemployment rate.
