Florida's Jobless Rate Stays at 12 Percent in December

Florida's unemployment rate didn't budge in December 2010, remaining at 12 percent, the same as the previous month, according to the seasonally adjusted numbers released Friday by the state Agency for Workforce Innovation.

There were 1.1 million people out of work out of a total labor force of 9.2 million in Florida, representing a nonagricultural employment drop of 17,900 jobs from November, but an increase of 43,500 jobs from December 2009. That means December 2010 was the sixth month in a row the state witnessed a year-over-year increase in jobs.

"Although 12 percent unemployment is too high, a sixth straight month of job gains over the year is a positive sign, and with Governor Scott's emphasis on strategies to spark and support job creation, we anticipate continued improvement in our economy," said AWI director Cynthia Lorenzo.

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