Florida Unemployment Drops to 2.8% ‘Despite Biden Administration Policies’
July 22, 2022 Updated 10:16 A.M. ET
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida’s statewide unemployment dropped to 2.8%, declining for 23 consecutive months, “despite national economic conditions.”
“Despite Biden administration policies that have produced record inflation, skyrocketing gas prices, and slowing national GDP, Florida continues to outpace the nation with strong job growth and an increasing labor force,” DeSantis said.
“Florida’s unemployment rate has remained lower than the nation for 19 consecutive months and is now close to a full percentage point lower than the nation as a whole. June’s data demonstrates once again that our freedom first approach is working for Floridians.”
The national unemployment sits at 3.6%, almost 1 point higher than Florida’s rate.
The state’s labor force grew 40,000, or 0.4%, over the month, while national labor force shrunk 0.2%.
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Over the year, Florida’s labor force grew by 293,000, or 2.8%, while the national labor force grew at a rate of 1.8%.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to our state’s success, Florida is home to a skilled, competitive workforce and a steady economy despite national economic conditions,” Department of Economic Opportunity Sec. Dane Eagle said.
In the private sector, Florida employers added jobs for 26 consecutive months, and total private employment grew by 5.8% over the year, 0.9% faster than the country’s rate of 4.9%.
Leisure and hospitality grew 12,100 jobs, education and health services grew 7,800, other services grew 3,800, and financial activities grew 3,200, a press release said.
The new numbers come amidst record inflation under the Biden Administration, reaching 9,1% in July.
“A 9.1% inflation rate is horrible for our country. This is a tax on the poor and middle class. It’s a tax on the elderly, living on fixed incomes. Biden is simply incapable of dealing with the biggest problems our country is facing. All he can do is finger point,” Chief financial Officer of Florida Jimmy Patronis said.
“American families are hurting and Democrats want to tax and spend MORE,” U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said.
Find more unemployment data here and other economic data here.
