As Gov. Rick Scott entices New Yorkers to consider the reduced taxes of the Sunshine State, Floridas unemployment rate dropped to its lowest mark since February 2009, as the number dipped 0.2 percent between January and February, according to the state Department of Economic Opportunity.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment mark for the Sunshine State stood at 9.4 percent for February, representing 869,000 Floridians listed as jobless.
The monthly gains have continued for 19 consecutive months following three years of declines.
Gov. Rick Scott, who released an open letter to New York businesses on Thursday urging them to relocate to the Sunshine State, pointed to his recently signed jobs package for what he expects will be continued reduction in the unemployment numbers.
Floridas drop in its unemployment rate and increase in private-sector job creation continues to prove our state is definitely headed in the right direction, Gov. Rick Scott stated in a release on Friday.
The signing of my 2012 Jobs and Economic Development Package represents a significant step toward ensuring Florida is the best place in the nation to create, attract and retain jobs.
The state recorded 10,100 jobs created in February, while unemployment compensation totals fell to 346,000 compared to 735,000 in February 2010.
This reduction means more Floridians are finding the jobs they need and reducing the financial burden on taxpayers and businesses, the governors office stated in a release.
Governor Scott recognizes the importance of changing how Florida can help businesses be more successful while also helping Floridians find the jobs they need, DEO Interim Executive Director Cynthia Lorenzo stated in a release. His innovative ideas and comprehensive jobs agenda will continue helping this state make significant strides toward being the leader in job creation and economic development.
The Florida Democratic Party was quick to criticize the states monthly report.
Todays news is another stark reminder that Florida continues to lag behind the rest of the nation under Governor Rick Scotts extreme tea party agenda, Democratic Party spokeswoman Brannon Jordan stated in a release.
Thanks to the leadership of President Obama, the nations economy is turning around, but here at home the unemployment rate still remains among the highest in the country. Governor Scotts far-right agenda has failed Floridas families and its time he put aside polarizing social issues and focus on strengthening the economy and growing jobs.
The national unemployment mark stands at 8.3 percent.
State records reported the regions with the largest job gains were Tampa-St. Petersburg, Miami-Dade and Orlando. Meanwhile, Pensacola, Gainesville and Port St. Lucie recorded the biggest job declines.
Across Florida, many governments that have relied heavily on government jobs have held the lowest unemployment marks: 5.4 percent, Monroe County; 6.5 percent in Walton County; 7 percent in Alachua County.
The highest marks remain in counties that have seen big drops in information, government and construction jobs: 12.7 percent, Flagler County (down from 13.5 percent in January); 12.1 percent, Hernando County; 11.7 percent in Hendry County; and 11.4 percent in St. Lucie County.
Overall, there were 17 Florida counties with double-digit unemployment rates in February, down from 23 in January.
In an appearance on Fox News' Your World With Neil Cavuto on Thursday, Scott pushed Florida as a place for New Yorkers to do business.
Do you like paying higher taxes to do business in New York?, Scott stated in an open letter to New York businesses. As a former CEO and entrepreneur, I know my answer to that question is absolutely not. After meeting with several business leaders in New York this week and hearing about the issues they face, I am convinced that every company in New York should be doing business in Florida. That is why I am inviting you to come to Florida where taxes are lower, the quality of life is great and a beach awaits you around every corner.
Florida is a right-to-work state with no personal income tax, low business taxes, great teachers, the best beaches and weather in the world, and an overall great quality of life -- factors that every CEO and entrepreneur consider. For those currently doing business in New York, I welcome you to come to Florida and enjoy sunnier days and better business opportunities.
It is my goal to phase out the corporate income tax, which is already one of the nation's lowest at 5.5 percent. Over the last 14 months, we have eliminated the tax completely for roughly two-thirds of the businesses that were paying it. This tax relief is part of my extensive jobs package to help businesses grow. In addition, Floridas work force and job training ranks No. 1 in the country, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber Foundation. And, because of our commitment to be the No. 1 place in the world for jobs, Florida was ranked in the top three best states to do business by CEO Magazine last year (New York came in at the bottom of that list at No. 49).
Since I was elected, Florida has taken strides to shrink the size, scope and cost of government so that the private sector can thrive and grow jobs. So far, we have eliminated close to 500 burdensome regulations with hundreds more in the pipeline. We also paid down debt by nearly $500 million over the last year, and our S&P AAA-rated credit outlook was improved at the same time the federal government was downgraded.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
