FL January Job Growth Outperforms Nation, Again

March 14th, 2022 Updated 1:28 P.M. ET

TALLAHASSEE (FCV) – According to a press release from Governor Ron DeSantis (R), the Florida economy achieved strong growth in January 2022 and continues to outpace the United States national economy.

According to the release, Florida’s unemployment rate decreased by 2.5%, down to 3.5%, remaining below the national unemployment rate of 4%. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Florida has now had an unemployment below the national rate for 14 consecutive months.

In January, Florida had a labor force participation total of 10,448,000, which is greater than that of February 2020’s total – pre-pandemic. The labor force increased 318,000 – 3.1% – over the year. The labor force increased by 48,000 over the month.

Since February 2020, Florida added 124,700 jobs in the private sector.

Florida added 23,900 jobs in January, a 0.3% increase. There was an increase in 496,700 jobs over the year, a staggering rate of 6.6%, higher than the national rate of 5.2%.

“Florida’s January 2022 numbers and the U.S. Department of Labor’s updated data for 2021 demonstrate that Florida continues to have a robust economic climate where individual Floridians have opportunities to get ahead – even in the face of inflationary federal policies that are causing the price of virtually everything to spike,” DeSantis remarked.

“Florida has surpassed 2019 numbers in almost every regard, including employment and labor force participation while lockdown states continue to lag,” he continued.

Currently, there are 450,000 jobs posted online.

For the past 18 months, Florida’s unemployment rate has either maintained itself or declined. The Sunshine State has emerged stronger economically coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, likely partly due to the exodus of blue state citizens amidst Democrat lockdowns and other policies.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ relentless freedom first economic policies and no excuses approach, Florida is the best place for businesses and families to grow their footprints,” Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle said.

“DEO will continue to work hand-in-hand with its partners to create innovative and valuable opportunities for Floridians and their communities.”