Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida’s December 2021 economic data outperformed the nation with 20 consecutive months of job growth and 14 consecutive months of labor force increases.
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Floridians remain confident in their ability to find employment as Florida businesses created 479,300 total jobs increasing by 5.6% over the year, faster than the national job growth rate of 4.5%. Florida’s 14 months of labor force growth has resulted in a larger labor force than February 2020, previous to the pandemic.
In the past year, Florida’s labor force has grown by 6.1%, which is more than six times faster than the nation. This strong growth is an excellent indicator of consumer confidence in the job market.
“Month after month, the data continues to show that freedom first economic policies create jobs and keep our economy moving,†said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our new businesses and workforce growth show that Floridians have the opportunities they need to thrive. We will continue to lead the nation in economic growth because we value the individual freedoms of Floridians and protect the ability for our citizens to succeed.â€
All of Florida’s major industries have continued to gain jobs over the year. Major industries that gained back all the jobs lost during the pandemic are critical industries that help to continue diversifying the state’s economy. These industries include construction; trade, transportation, and utilities; financial activities; and professional and businesses services. Additionally, Florida’s unemployment rate remained low, decreasing by 0.1 percentage point to 4.4% over the month.
Florida Economic Indicators for December 2021 include:
• Unemployment rate is 4.4%, down 0.1 percentage point over the month.
• Labor force was up 29,000 over the month, bringing the December 2021 total up to 10,660,000.
• Florida’s labor force growth represents a 6.1% increase over the year compared to 1.0% nationally.
• Florida businesses gained 11,900 private-sector jobs over the month.
• Florida’s private sector employment increased by 461,200, or 6.2%, over the year, higher than the national rate of 5.0%.
• Private sector industries gaining the most jobs over the month were:
- Leisure and Hospitality with 8,400 new jobs.
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities with 7,200 new jobs.
- Other Services with 4,300 new jobs.
- Education and Health Services with 1,100 new jobs. ■