Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.2 percent, as labor force participation increases. Florida’s economy continues to create new private-sector jobs, adding 215,000 private-sector jobs over the year. The professional and business services and financial sectors continue to grow and supply the need for a diverse, high-skilled workforce.

“I can’t say it enough, Florida’s business-friendly environment continues to attract investment and growth,” said Governor DeSantis. “Prioritizing investments in innovation and talent development while keeping taxes low will continue to advance and diversify Florida’s economy.”

Governor DeSantis has taken steps to focus on Florida’s future workforce needs. In just the last two months, he has announced plans to strengthen Florida’s electric vehicle infrastructure, proposed legislation to assist in the development of FinTech training programs and provided incentives for local workforce development boards who excel in helping Florida’s veterans find meaningful employment.

Additionally, the Florida Talent Development Council held their first meeting this month to lay the ground work for the strategic plan that will ensure 60 percent of working-age Floridians hold a high-value postsecondary credential by 2030.

Positive economic indicators for the month of September include:

• Florida’s annual private-sector job growth rate of 2.8 percent continues to outpace the national job growth rate of 1.6 percent.
• The labor force continued to grow with 154,000 entering the labor force over the year at an annual growth rate of 1.5 percent.

“Governor DeSantis’ commitment to growing a solid and resilient Florida economy is outstanding,” said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Ken Lawson. “Each new job created is more than a data figure, it is a real opportunity for a Floridian to do meaningful work, pay their bills and live a better life. We are committed to making smart strategic investments in Florida communities to ensure we are fueling economic growth for all Floridians.”

Other positive economic indicators include:

• Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
  • Education and health services with 59,600 new jobs;
  • Professional and business services with 49,200 new jobs;
  • Leisure and hospitality with 30,300 new jobs;
  • Trade, transportation and utilities with 20,400 new jobs;
  • Financial activities with 19,100 new jobs; and
  • Construction with 16,200 new jobs.
• Florida job postings showed 277,495 openings in September 2019
• Consumer Sentiment Index is 97.3 in September 2019.

To view the September 2019 jobs report by region, please see below:

Fort Lauderdale

Jacksonville

Miami

Orlando

Pensacola

Southwest Florida

Tampa

West Palm Beach

To view the September 2019 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.

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