TALLAHASSEE - Governor Rick Scott announced today that Florida’s private-sector job growth rate of 3.9 percent in June was the highest among the 10 most populous states, including Texas and California. This is the fourth month in a row Florida’s growth rate has been number one among large states. Among all states, Florida ranked second in the nation. Florida’s job growth rate is significantly higher than the nation’s, which is at 2.5 percent.

Governor Scott said, “These positive economic trends show our pro-growth policies are working for Florida families. Florida continues to beat larger states in job growth rates, and we are leading the rest of the nation in the number of jobs created. Florida is clearly the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

In June, Florida ranked second in total private-sector jobs added, with more than 265,200 jobs created over the year. This is the third consecutive month since the recession that Florida has created more private-sector jobs over the year than Texas. In addition, Florida led the nation in job gains over the year in the financial activities industry, with more than 14,400 jobs added, the most of any state.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “Florida’s economic resurgence continues to set a national standard. Our job growth rate outpaces the national rate and is the best among large states. This growth is the result of smart policy—cutting taxes and regulation allows the private sector to thrive.”

Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 896,900 private-sector jobs. In June, the unemployment rate dropped to 5.5 percent, almost half the December 2010 rate and the lowest since March 2008.