Florida receives strong January jobs report, hospitality grows in face of E-Verify law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida received another strong economic report for January 2024, doubling the national private sector growth rate and remaining below the national unemployment rate for the 39th straight month.

Florida’s private sector added 37,900 jobs in January, a rate of 0.4%, twice the national rate.

On top of the strong data, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office noted that the hospitality industry in Florida has continued to rise despite the state’s new E-Verify law, which works to ensure employees are in the country legally.

The labor force grew 2.2%, or 243,000, over the year. The national rate was 0.8%.

Additionally, Florida’s unemployment slightly ticked up 0.1%, now at 3.1%, but still below the national rate of 3.7%.

“Florida has started off the year strong by growing jobs at twice the national average,” DeSantis said.

“Florida continuously outperforms the national economy with fiscal stewardship, growth friendly policies, limited government spending, and one of the lowest tax burdens per capita in the nation,” he said.