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Florida Unemployment Rate

May 23rd, 2007 Posted by Amelia

Florida Governor Charlie Crist recently expressed his pride in the state’s employment outlook, especially the fact that the unemployment rate remains below the national average.

According to the Agency for Workforce Innovation, the Florida unemployment rate in February held steady at 3.3 percent and many new jobs are being created in the state, which further offsets the low rate of unemployment. The national unemployment rate is 4.6 percent. Since mid-2002, the rate of unemployment in Florida has remained below the national rate.

Statistics recently released by the Agency for Workforce Innovation indicate there are 145,200 more jobs in Florida today than there were in January 2006. These new jobs reflect a growth rate of 1.8 percent.

The impressively low rate of Florida unemployment can be seen as a result of the Crist administration’s commitment to economic development and increased job opportunities. “Today’s report shows that while our economy is feeling the effects of the slowing housing market, Florida remains the place to do business,” Crist said recently.

Gov. Crist further stated, “I am committed to relieving the burden of high property taxes that are crushing the American dream of home ownership, as well as enhancing Florida’s business friendly environment to attract high-tech companies with high-wage jobs that bring new opportunities to the people of Florida.”

Economic development and the creation of jobs paying high wages are priorities for the Crist administration. Of particular note to the administration is the biotechnology industry. This burgeoning industry was cited as being an emerging presence felt in all across of the state.

Florida unemployment statistics are expected to improve even further after the February edition of Forbes listed its pick of the top 25 “Best Cities for Jobs.” Five cities or metroplexes in the state were included in the list. The list is calculated using each city’s rank in the following areas: median household income, unemployment rate, income growth, cost of living, and job growth.

The five cities or metropolitan areas cited in the list and their place in line this year and last year are: