Despite Irma’s Destruction, Florida’s Jobs Report Remains Strong

by | Nov 17, 2017


Florida’s unemployment rate continues to drop, falling to 3.6 percent for the month of October. That’s down more than a full percentage point from a year ago and a drop of more than 7 percent since December of 2010.

Gov. Rick Scott said the strong jobs report comes despite the destruction from Hurricane Irma in September that affected much of the state.

“While Hurricane Irma was a devastating storm, we have worked day after day to help communities recover and send a message across the world that Florida is open for business,” Scott said in a statement released by his office. “Today’s announcement, and the creation of more than 1.44 million private-sector jobs since December 2010, shows the strength of our economy.”

Cissy Proctor, the executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, says the state has spent the past couple of months focusing on the recovery from Irma.

“Recovering from Hurricane Irma has been our top priority,” Proctor said. “We are committed to ensuring Florida’s families and businesses continue to prosper. The unemployment rate has consistently declined while jobs are being added in diverse industries all across the Sunshine State, proving that we have the best economic climate in the nation.”

Since Scott took office in January of 2011, Florida’s economy has grown by more than 1.4 million jobs, with more than 127,000 private sector jobs created in October alone.

Okaloosa and St. Johns counties continue to lead Florida with the lowest unemployment. Both counties report a 2.7 percent unemployment rate. Hendry County had the highest unemployment rate with 7.3 percent. Hendry was followed by Hardee County at 5.8 percent and Glades County at 5 percent.

“We will continue to work to make our state more business-friendly, including fighting to cut taxes by more than $180 million during the upcoming legislation session, to help secure Florida’s future as the best place for families and job creators to succeed,” Scott added.

To view Florida’s job report for October, click here.

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