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Governor DeSantis Announces Florida’s Unemployment Rate Remains Lower Than the Nation for 27th Consecutive Month

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s January economic data demonstrates the continued strength and success of Florida’s economy. In January, Florida’s unemployment rate was 2.6% and remained lower than the nation for the 27th consecutive month while job growth outperformed the nation for the 22nd consecutive month. Florida’s private sector employment grew by 5.3 percent (433,100 jobs) over the year in January 2023, 1.7 percent faster than the national rate of 3.6 percent over the same time period. In January 2023, Florida’s private sector employment increased by 29,800 over the month (+0.3 percent).
Florida is number one in net migration, tourism, and new business formations because we have bucked the elites and forged our own path forward towards success,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We will continue to prioritize policies that support Florida families as they continue to face persistent inflation and national economic headwinds.”
In addition to the January 2023 labor statistics, today’s release includes revisions to historical labor force, employment, unemployment, and unemployment rate estimates. This is the result of an annual process that occurs every year in March in each state nationwide. The revised historical economic data released today are based on additional information that was not available at the time of original publication. Florida’s annual 2021 and 2022 unemployment rate revisions, reflecting the model changes, can be found here.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ commitment to Florida’s future, Floridians can trust in Florida’s workforce, businesses, and communities for years to come,” said Acting Secretary Meredith Ivey of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Florida’s unemployment rate is consistently below the national average and the private sector continues to generate jobs, creating nearly 30,000 jobs over the month in January 2023.”
Florida’s January unemployment rate was 2.6 percent, down 0.1 percentage point from the previous month’s revised rate of 2.7 percent and 0.8 percentage point below the national rate of 3.4 percent. Florida’s revised unemployment rate reflects that more people are participating in the state’s workforce than initially reported. Florida’s labor force grew by 259,000 (2.4 percent) from one year ago, which is more than one percentage point faster than the national rate of 1.3 percent over the same time period.
In January 2023, leisure and hospitality gained the most jobs among all major industries, adding 16,100 jobs (+1.2 percent) over the month, followed by education and health services, adding 4,900 jobs (+0.3 percent), financial activities, adding 4,900 jobs (+0.7 percent), and other services, adding 3,200 jobs (+0.9 percent).
Data from the month of January continues to indicate there are many job opportunities available for Floridians throughout the state, with more than 391,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities are encouraged to turn to the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance on how to register with Employ Florida and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers also can improve their employability by perfecting resume writing and interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers.
Florida Economic Indicators for January 2023 include:
  • Unemployment rate is 2.6 percent, 0.1 percentage point lower than the previous month’s revised rate of 2.7 percent, and 0.8 percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.4 percent.
  • Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 27 consecutive months since November 2020.
  • Between January 2022 and January 2023, Florida’s labor force grew by 259,000, or 2.4 percent. This was faster than the national labor force growth rate of 1.3 percent over the year.
  • Between January 2022 and January 2023, total private sector employment grew by 433,100 jobs (+5.3 percent), faster than the national private sector job growth rate of 3.6 percent over the year.
  • As of January 2023, Florida employers have added jobs for 32 consecutive months since May 2020, with the exception of October 2022. Florida’s private sector over-the-year job growth rate has exceeded the nation’s for 22 consecutive months since April 2021.
  • Private sector industries gaining the most jobs over the month were:
    • Leisure and Hospitality with 16,100 new jobs.
    • Education and Health Services with 4,900 new jobs.
    • Financial Activities with 4,900 new jobs.
    • Other Services with 3,200 new jobs.
To view the January 2023 jobs reports by region, please see below:
Visit Florida Insight for more information on labor market and economic data. Additionally, the Department has provided a video to assist users in explaining the data provided through Florida Insight.

North Florida News

Pro-Democracy Groups Launch “No Partisan Maps” Day of Action at Florida Capitol

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A view of the historic Old Florida State Capitol building, which sits in front of the current New Capitol, on November 10, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — A coalition of pro-democracy advocates and community members from across Florida will gather at the State Capitol on Tuesday, December 2, to launch the “We Draw the Lines: No Partisan Maps” Day of Action. The event begins with a press conference, followed by visits to legislative offices and coordinated outreach urging lawmakers to reject partisan-driven redistricting efforts.

The Day of Action takes place two days before the Florida House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting holds its first meeting on December 4. Advocates say the proposed mid-decade remapping is unconstitutional and undermines the will of voters.

“Any attempt by politicians to engage in drawing new voting maps designed to tip the scales of power for partisan gain is unconstitutional and illegal in Florida,” said Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Ground. “Redistricting decides who represents us in government, so it is critical that the process serves the people, not politicians.”

Florida’s push for mid-decade redistricting aligns with President Donald Trump’s call for Republican-led states to gerrymander district lines to help retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections. Such efforts would violate Florida’s Fair Districts Amendments, which prohibit partisan gerrymandering in the state.

Event Details:
What: “We Draw the Lines: No Partisan Maps” Day of Action
When: Tuesday, December 2, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Florida State Capitol, House-side Rotunda, Fourth Floor
Who: Voting rights organizations, civic groups, and impacted Florida residents
Why: To demand that lawmakers uphold constitutional protections and ensure fair representation for all Floridians

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North Florida News

State Rep. Felicia Simone Robinson Files Bill to Establish Florida Voting Rights Restoration Database

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State Rep. Felicia Simone Robinson Files Bill to Establish Florida Voting Rights Restoration Database

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Representative Felicia Simone Robinson (D–Miami Gardens) has introduced House Bill 73 for the 2026 Legislative Session, aimed at improving transparency and access to information for returning citizens seeking to restore their voting rights. The proposal would establish a statewide, publicly accessible database to help individuals with felony convictions determine their eligibility to vote. A companion measure, Senate Bill 132, has been filed by Senator Tina Polsky (D–Boca Raton).

Centralized Database to Streamline Restoration Process

Under the proposed legislation, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be responsible for developing and maintaining a centralized database that tracks key information, including supervision terms, restitution, fines, and other legal financial obligations related to felony sentences.

The bill mandates cooperation between state and local agencies—such as clerks of court, county comptrollers, the Department of Corrections, and the Office of Executive Clemency—to ensure the data is accurate and updated regularly. The database would be publicly accessible online and updated monthly, providing a clear path for eligible individuals to confirm their status.

Protecting Returning Citizens and Ensuring Transparency

The legislation also includes protections for individuals who rely in good faith on the database’s information, shielding them from prosecution for unintentional voting violations. Additionally, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be required to submit a detailed implementation plan—outlining costs, staffing, and technology needs—to both the Governor and the Legislature. If approved, the law would take effect July 1, 2026.

Rep. Robinson Calls for Fairness and Dignity in the Process

Representative Robinson emphasized the moral and civic importance of restoring clarity to Florida’s electoral system.

“Floridians who have completed their sentences deserve clear, timely access to information about their rights,” said Rep. Robinson. “Too many are uncertain whether they still owe obligations or whether they can safely register to vote. This legislation will eliminate confusion and restore dignity.”


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North Florida News

Jaguars Maul Panthers in Travis Hunter’s Debut

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Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) beat the Carolina Panthers (0-1) by a score of 26-10 at EverBank Stadium. Today’s game marked the debut of Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter, who played on both sides of the ball for the Jaguars, as a wide receiver and cornerback. It was also the first time Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. played against his brother, Panthers rookie RB Trevor Etienne, who was drafted in the fourth round after playing two seasons for the Florida Gators and one for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter makes his debut with the Jaguars. (Photo: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

The Jaguars scored on their first drive of the season, with K Cam Little’s 35 yard field goal. But the Panthers responded with K Ryan Fitzgerald’s 48 yard field goal, tying the game at 3-3, which was the score at the end of the first quarter.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s 6 yard touchdown pass to TE Hunter Long, followed by Cam Little’s extra point, put the Jags ahead 10-3. It was Lawrence’s fifth consecutive open week with a passing touchdown. Just after that play, the game was officially delayed for about an hour due to severe weather in the area. Players and fans were moved to covered areas as a precaution. Later in the quarter after action resumed, WR Brian Thomas Jr. ran for a 9 yard touchdown. Little added the XP and followed shortly after with a 47 yard field goal just before halftime, to put the Jags up 20-3.

The game was delayed due to severe weather in Jacksonville. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

In the third quarter, the Jaguars succeeded in stopping the Panthers’ drive, taking over the ball on their 6 yard line. But neither team scored any points in the quarter.

Midway through the fourth, Cam Little’s 36 yard field goal put the Jags ahead 23-3. But the Panthers responded with a 27 yard pass from QB Bryce Young to RB Chuba Hubbard, followed by Brian Fitzgerald’s XP, narrowing their deficit to 23-10. After the two minute warning, Cam Little’s 28 yard field goal put the Jags up 26-10. A late scoring drive by the Panthers ended with an interception of Bryce Young’s pass intended for RB Rico Dowdle by Jaguars CB Jourdan Lewis, ending the game at 26-10.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 178 yards and one TD. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 142 yards. Brenton Strange was the leading receiver with 59 yards. Today’s attendance was 59,957.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the process of renovating their stadium. Many areas of EverBank Stadium were blocked off for construction during today’s game. The project will continue while the Jaguars continue to play at home this season and next. In 2027, the team will play at either Orlando or Gainesville to complete the transformation. For more details on Jacksonville’s Stadium Of The Future, which opens in 2028, visit https://www.jaguars.com/stadiumofthefuture/.

The Jaguars head to Cincinnati to face the Bengals on Sunday, 9/14. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

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