Florida’s May unemployment rate at 3.4%, slightly below the nation’s average. Florida’s unemployment rate for May showed a slight drop from revised April numbers. The state Department of Economic Opportunity announced Friday that Florida’s jobless rate stood at 3.4 percent in May, reflecting 353,000 people out of work from a workforce of 10.3 million.
The state had initially released a 3.4 percent rate for April
Later revised the estimate to 3.5 percent. Florida’s unemployment rate remains below the national rate of 3.6 percent.
- Florida gained 17,000 jobs in May and 214,500 over the last 12 months.
- Monroe County had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.1%, followed by St. Johns and Okaloosa counties at 2.5% each.
- Citrus, Gulf, Hardee and Sumter counties had the highest unemployment rate at 4.6% each.
Among the categories of jobs that performed well in Florida last month were in the fields of construction, leisure and hospitality. “People believe in low taxation, declining regulation and what Governor (Ron) DeSantis is doing to create the environment for businesses to grow,” said Ken Lawson, executive director of the Economic Opportunity Department, on Friday.
Local government jobs grew by 1,700 from April to May
There were slight losses in categories related to trade, transport, and public services and professional and business services.
State government jobs fell by 900. Among the state’s metropolitan statistical areas, the Crestview-Fort Walton-Destin region had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.5 percent in May, followed by Gainesville, Naples-Immokalee -Marco Island and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Areas each at 2.8 percent.
The highest rates were found in the metropolitan statistical areas of Homosassa Springs and The Villages, each with 4.6 percent. The area of Panama City, which continues to recover from Hurricane Michael, stood at 3.7 percent. The region hit by the storm started the year with an unemployment rate of 6 percent.
Collecting Unemployment Benefits in Florida
In Florida as in every other state employees who are temporarily out of work through no fault of their own may qualify to collect unemployment benefits. The eligibility rules, prior earnings requirements, benefit amounts, and other details vary from state to state, however.
Here are the basic rules for collecting unemployment in Florida; the state calls these benefits “reemployment assistance.” In Florida, the agency responsible for unemployment benefits is called the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Eligibility Criteria for Unemployment in Florida
You must meet three eligibility requirements to collect unemployment in Florida:
- Your past earnings must meet certain minimum thresholds.
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, as defined by Florida law.
- You must be able, available, and actively looking for work.
Final Words
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity provides detailed information on the unemployment process at its reemployment assistance service center page. What do you think about this review? Do comment and let us know in the comment section below. Follow us for the latest news and reviews.
