The Florida Department of Commerce announced that the unemployment rate in Florida stood at 2.9 percent in November, up slightly from 2.8 percent in October.

Florida remains ahead of the nation on the matter. The national unemployment rate stood at 3.7 percent in November. Over the past year, Florida has seen a 2.8 percent increase in the number of jobs, ahead of the national rate at 1.8 percent.

State Commerce Sec. J. Alex Kelly said that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ policies are why Florida is in good shape.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s economy is thriving because of key workforce and industry investments in manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, military and defense, and several research and development sectors,” said Kelly. “These investments are driving job growth, new business formations for small and large businesses, six consecutive months of construction job growth, and a record pace for commercial and tourism related visitation. Florida’s success is not an accident but rather an intentional steadfast commitment to smart policies and strategic initiatives that support key verticals.”

The education and health services has led the way in job creation with 93,500 new jobs in the past year followed by the trade, transportation, and utilities sector with 58,600 new jobs. The professional and business services sector created 30,900 new jobs in the past year followed by 24,500 new jobs in government. The only area losing jobs in Florida has been the information field which saw a loss of 3,100 jobs.

In November, Miami-Dade County had the state’s lowest unemployment rate at 1.4 percent, followed by Monroe County at 1.9 percent and Wakulla County, St. Johns County and Okaloosa County at 2.7 percent each.

Hendry County had the highest unemployment rate in Florida in November at 4.7 percent, followed by Hamilton County at 4.6 percent, Citrus County at 4.5 percent and Highlands County and Sumter County at 4.4 percent each.