(The Center Square) – Florida gained 7,300 jobs in July, the state announced.
The increase from June’s job number was largely fueled by growth in the financial sector.
Finance jobs accounted for 5,200 of the new jobs, followed by leisure and hospitality and government positions, the state’s Department of Commerce said.
The unemployment rate remained at 3.7%, lower than the national average of 4.2%.
Florida’s unemployment rate has been below the national rate for 57 consecutive months dating to November 2020, the state said. Jobs have grown 59 of the last 63 months, the state added.
Over the last year, private employment has increased by 118,900 jobs, “underscoring Florida’s reputation as a national economic powerhouse,” the state said in a release.
“Data in the month of July continues to indicate there are jobs available for every Floridian who wants to work, with more than 408,000 jobs posted online,” the state said.
Sumter County has the highest unemployment in the state in July at 7.1%. Dade County and Monroe County tied for the lowest rate in the state at 2.8%.
July’s numbers were 134,000 jobs more than the same month a year ago, the news release said.
On Monday, Florida announced that it broke records in tourism in the second quarter of the year, with 34.4 million visitors.
“People from all over the world come to the Free State of Florida for safety, sites, and unforgettable adventures,” second-term Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. “These numbers are a testament to the work we’ve done to make our state the most appealing state to visit in the nation.”
While 91.5% of the tourists were from the United States, overseas tourism was up 11.4% from the same quarter in 2024, the state said.
“We are committed to keeping Florida the destination of choice for visitors from across the country and around the world as we promote our world-class amenities, unique natural and historical sites, family-oriented opportunities, and our commitment to public safety and order for all who visit,” Bryan Griffin, president and CEO of the state’s tourism agency, Visit Florida, said in a statement.
