PENSACOLA, Fla. –Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida had the highest annual private-sector job growth rate of any other state in the nation. Over the year in September, Florida added 252,400 new private-sector jobs, raising Florida’s private-sector job growth rate to 3.6 percent. Florida’s manufacturing industry also led the nation in job gains over the year in September, adding 15,300 new jobs.

Governor Scott said, “Florida’s strong job growth has consistently outpaced our top competitor states, including Texas, California and New York, and last month our job growth rate outpaced the entire nation. This great news is sending a message across the country that Florida is the best place for businesses to grow and create new opportunities. By creating a business-friendly environment and cutting taxes, we have been able to diversify our economy and put Florida on track to becoming first for job creation.” 

Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 1,222,500 private-sector jobs. In September, the unemployment rate was 4.7 percent.For the 54^th consecutive month, Florida’s annual job growth rate of 3.6 percent is exceeding the nation’s rate of 1.9 percent. Florida had the second-highest job gains in the professional and businesses services; trade, transportation and utilities; financial activities and construction industries.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Florida is the best place in the nation to get a good job, which provides every resident the opportunity to live their American Dream. We are diligent in our efforts to encourage economic growth and position Florida as the best place for business. I look forward continuing this success in the coming months.”

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