At the end of last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the Sunshine State added 42,800 jobs in July even as the state’s unemployment rate rose slightly.

The state unemployment rate stood at 2.7 percent in July, up from 2.6 percent in June. The national unemployment rate stood at 3.5 percent in July.

“For the last four years, Florida has led the nation with more than 2.5 million new businesses formations and over 1 million Floridians joining the workforce,” said DeSantis. “Florida’s success is the direct result of freedom first policies that support business owners and job seekers along with record investments in workforce education and infrastructure that spur economic growth.”

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to lead the nation in supporting all key foundations for the success of job seekers and job creators alike, and the Florida approach continues to show the nation how to best give confidence to job seekers and job creators,” said state Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This month’s economic data is further proof that Freedom First policies – such as record investments in workforce education, modern infrastructure and workforce housing – are investments in opportunities for businesses and families alike.”

“Florida’s private sector employment grew by 3.3 percent (+277,000 jobs) over the year in July 2023, faster than the national rate of 2.2 percent over the same time period. Florida has outperformed the nation in over-the-year private sector job growth for 28 consecutive months in July 2023. Florida’s labor force grew by 0.4 percent over the month in July 2023, faster than the national labor force growth rate of 0.1 percent over the same time period,” the governor’s office noted. “In July, the education and health services sector gained the most jobs among all major industries, adding 14.300 jobs from the previous month, followed by professional and business services adding 10,600 jobs; and trade, transportation, and utilities, adding 5,100 jobs.”

Miami-Dade County and Monroe County had the lowest unemployment rate in the state with both counties at 1.9 percent. Okaloosa County, St. Johns County and Gulf County all stood at 2.7 percent each while Bay County, Wakulla County and Walton County were all at 2.8 percent each.

Hendry County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 6.6 percent, followed by Hardee County at 4.8 percent and Highlands County at 4.7 percent.