TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to an all time low at 2.8 percent in January 2020, continuing to be below the national average of 3.6 percent. Florida added 164,500 private-sector jobs over the year and employing more than 10 million Floridians.
The state of Florida is working to maintain the business friendly climate our state is known for. Florida is closely monitoring COVID-19 and the impacts it could have on businesses that make Florida their home. The state is working with federal and state partners to ensure the safety and well-being of all Floridians, while ensuring businesses are supported. Yesterday, March 15 Governor DeSantis sent a letter to the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) requesting to make the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program available for Florida’s small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
“While our partners across the state work intensely to stop the spread of COVID-19, our agency is assessing the resources Florida’s impacted communities and businesses may need,” said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Ken Lawson. “Today’s announcement confirms that Governor DeSantis and his business friendly policies are working. By continuing to make investments that bring diverse industry to communities throughout the state, we are helping to build a stable and sustainable economy.”
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the activation of the Business Damage Assessment survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by the DEO, evaluates businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy. The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online at FloridaDisater.biz.
Other positive economic indicators include:
- Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:
- Education and health services with 34,900 new jobs;
- Professional and business services with 31,400 new jobs;
- Leisure and hospitality with 29,700 new jobs;
- Trade, transportation and utilities with 27,800 new jobs; and
- Construction with 21,500 new jobs.
- Consumer Sentiment Index is 99.4 in January 2020.
To view the January 2020 jobs report by region, please see below:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Jacksonville
- Miami
- Orlando
- Pensacola
- Southwest Florida
- Tampa
- West Palm Beach