TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Governor Rick Scott announced today that Florida’s private-sector job growth rate of 3.4 percent in October was the highest among the ten most populous states, including Texas, California, and New York. October marks the eighth consecutive month that Florida’s growth rate has been first among large states. Florida’s job growth rate is also significantly higher than the nation’s, which is at 2.2 percent.

Governor Scott said, “For eight consecutive months, Florida has led all other large states in job growth, including our number one competitor Texas. I look forward to working with the Legislature to cut $1 billion in taxes and create the Florida Enterprise Fund this year to diversify our economy so Florida can become first for job growth.”

October is the ninth consecutive month Florida has had a higher private-sector job growth rate than Texas, and the 22^nd month the state has had a higher private-sector job growth rate than California. In October, Florida ranked second among the largest states in total private-sector jobs added, with more than 244,000 jobs created over the year. Florida was also ranked first in over-the-year job gains in the financial activities industry when compared to all states with the creation of 13,900 new jobs. This is the seventh consecutive month that Florida has created more private-sector jobs over the year than Texas.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “In October, Florida had its best month of job growth in a decade.  And, once again, we grew jobs at a higher rate than any large state—besting even Texas.  There is a trend here: Florida is first for job creation, and that’s happening for a reason.  The Scott Administration has implemented low-tax, pro-growth policies and budget priorities that result in more economic opportunity for our families and businesses.  Our state is a model for the nation.”

Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created 978,800 private-sector jobs. In October, the unemployment rate dropped to 5.1 percent, less than half the December 2010 rate and the lowest in seven years.

###