TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – Florida’s unemployment rate has risen to 4.5% above the national average for the first time in years, according to a monthly jobs report from the Florida Department of Commerce.
Senator Rick Scott called the report concerning, saying in a statement on social media that “Florida must stay focused on creating an environment where our state remains the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family, and that starts with creating more jobs.”
But Florida State University economist Wayne Hochwarter said the increase is not a cause for alarm.
“What we’re seeing now is just a blip,” Hochwarter said.
The state’s economy relies heavily on tourism and construction, and Hochwarter said both industries are slowing.
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“Right now, people are struggling financially so there isn’t such a great interest in going on vacation, getting into your car, filling up your gas tank, and taking the family on a trip,” Hochwarter said.
The state data is delayed. The numbers are from January and don’t reflect the partial government shutdown, which led to long airport lines, or the war in Iran.
“I think this is temporary I think we need to see if it’s prolonged and if it extends to other sectors,” Hochwarter said.
The report comes as Republican leaders don’t agree on a state budget. House Speaker Daniel Perez has justified a smaller budget because he’s worried about the state’s long-term financial outlook.
A special session to pass a budget still hasn’t been scheduled, but lawmakers have until June 30 to get it done.
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