Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Florida’s unemployment rate continues to be on the decline, according to April jobs numbers released Friday.
Gov. Rick Scott announced the state’s unemployment numbers during a stop in Orlando on Friday morning. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.8 percent in April, down slightly from 4.9 percent one month earlier.
“Florida job creators are adding new opportunities each day, and it is clear that our work to cut taxes and support economic growth is making a difference for families in our state,” said Scott in a statement.
The state also saw a slight uptick in new jobs during the one-month period. According to the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida’s seasonally adjusted total non-agriculture employment was more than 8.28 million in April 2016. The private sector added 28,900 jobs over the month.
“Florida’s unemployment rate is at its lowest point in more than eight years, and thousands of new jobs were created last month, meaning job seekers are able to find a good job that provides for their families,” said Cissy Proctor, executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Our economy continues to flourish thanks to our strategic investments in Florida’s business-friendly climate.”
According to the Department of Economic Opportunity, the industry gaining the most jobs was education and health services. That industry has seen a 4 percent increase in jobs since April 2015. The leisure and hospitality industry also saw gains, adding 45,100 jobs in the one-year period.
Monroe County has the lowest unemployment rate at 3 percent; while Hendry County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 7 percent.
