Florida unemployment rate remains at 2.6%, national rate increases

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s unemployment rate remained at a low 2.6% in February while the national rate increased to 3.6%.

Florida’s unemployment rate has decreased by 0.7% over the year and has remained lower than the nation for 28 consecutive months since November 2020.

In February 2023, Florida’s private sector employment grew by 5%, or 406,600 jobs, over the year.

Between February 2022 and February 2023, Florida’s labor force grew by 247,000, or 2.3%, which is faster than the national labor force growth rate of 1.5% during the same time period.

“Florida’s economy continues to be number one in new business formations while growing our labor force and creating jobs faster than the national rate,” DeSantis said.

“As the federal government continues to flounder on key issues like inflation, Florida will continue to get the fundamentals right.”

Additionally, Florida’s over-the-year private sector job growth rate has exceeded the nations’ job growth rate for 23 consecutive months since April 2021.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure enhancements and workforce development initiatives across the state, Florida’s economy continues to fire on all cylinders,” said Acting Secretary of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Meredith Ivey.

“Florida gained nearly 35,000 jobs over the month in February 2023 and our state’s unemployment rate remains consistently low. DEO is committed to continuing to champion Governor DeSantis’ mission through its partnerships and programs to ensure Florida sustains its economic success,” Ivey said.

Read more Florida unemployment data for February here.