Florida Unemployment Rate Steady But State Adds 9,000 Jobs

Frustrated area residents searching for jobs in this depressed economy can take comfort in finding out they're not alone.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced July 20 that the state's unemployment rate held steady in June at 8.6 percent. 

This is the same as the May rate but still the lowest since December 2008, according to the DEO. At this time last year, the jobless rate was 10.7 percent.

Gov. Rick Scott believes the decline in the unemployment rate over the past year is due to the creation of new jobs in Florida.

Florida added 9,000 new jobs during the month of June and a total of more than 127,000 private-sector jobs have been created since December 2010.

“In the month of June, 9,000 more Floridians got new jobs and were able to receive a paycheck to help provide for their families,” said Scott. “The changes we’re making each day are benefiting those looking for work and helping businesses recognize what a talented workforce we have here in Florida.”

Additional positive workforce trends, according to the DEO, include:

• Florida’s number of unemployed remains below 800,000
• Florida’s unemployment rates have declined year over year for 19 consecutive months
• Florida’s unemployment rate has declined month over month for 11 of the past 12 months
• Florida’s job growth rate has been positive year over year for 23 consecutive months

Also in June, the state’s 24 Regional Workforce Boards reported that more than 28,500 Floridians were placed in jobs, with 179,000 job placements reported since January. Of these individuals, 6,652 who previously received reemployment assistance (formerly unemployment compensation) gained employment in June, with more than 40,000 former claimants finding employment since the beginning of the year.

Additionally, in June, Florida job postings compiled by Help Wanted OnLine increased over the year compared to June 2011 by 15,385 openings (+6.3 percent) and totaled more than 258,000. The most openings were in medical, IT, sales and administrative support-related occupations, according to the DEO.

“With thousands of jobs being created thanks to Gov. Scott, it’s equally important that we ensure Florida’s workforce has the skills and experience necessary to be successful,” said DEO Executive Director Hunting F. Deutsch. “DEO, Workforce Florida and the state’s 24 regional workforce boards continue to work together in looking for innovative and effective ways to support those who are unemployed and help them return to the workforce.”

To view the June 2012 monthly employment data visit the DEO website.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts. This new approach is intended to expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities.

For more information, including resources for employers and job seekers, visit www.floridajobs.org.