On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that in March the state unemployment rate remained at 3.5 percent, the same as it was in February. The national unemployment rate stood at 3.8 percent in March.
DeSantis noted more than 200,000 private sector jobs had been created in Florida over the past year. He took over in January from Gov. Rick Scott.
“Florida’s economy continues to thrive, but we will not rest,” said DeSantis. “Our state is focused on creating a resilient business-friendly environment, with low taxes, decreased regulation and support for career and technical education to provide opportunities for all Floridians to succeed.”
“Governor DeSantis has a bold vision for our state which includes all Floridians benefiting from a robust and diverse economy,” said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Ken Lawson. “Today’s announcement reflects the confidence Florida businesses have in our state, as they continue to create new jobs and opportunities for our communities.”
In the past year, professional and business services led the state with 50,500 new jobs; followed by education and health services with 40,000 new jobs; the leisure and hospitality sector with 28,900 new jobs; the trade, transportation and utilities sector with 26,300 new jobs; and construction with 24,100 new jobs.
Monroe County had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.3 percent followed by St. Johns County and Okaloosa County at 2.8 percent each and Wakulla County, Orange County and Collier County at 2.9 percent each.
Still recovering from Hurricane Michael, Gulf County had the highest unemployment rate in Florida at 5.3 percent followed by Citrus County and Sumter County at 4.9 percent each and Hardee County at 4.8 percent.
