TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Today, FloridaCommerce announced thatFlorida's statewide unemployment rate has remained lower than the national unemployment rate for four years, marking a milestone of 48 consecutive months. Florida's statewide unemployment rate remains steady at 3.3%, and in October 2024 alone, the state added 107,600 private sector jobs over-the-year.

"Under Governor DeSantis' direction, Florida immediately launched small business recovery resources to impacted communities, and in record time, we approved more than $52 million in loan funding to expedite recovery for impacted small businesses following an active hurricane season in Florida," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. " To further support businesses that have been impacted multiple times, FloridaCommerce extended the zero-percent interest loan period to two years, allowed businesses to apply that still have active loans from previous storms, including Hurricanes Idalia and Ian, and reduced minimum credit score requirements from 600 to 550."

Resources for Job Seekers:

• Florida's Labor Exchange Marketplace, Employ Florida, connects job seekers to employment, training, and education and job creators to skilled talent.
• CareerSource Florida's network of local career centers offers tailored career counseling, skills assessments, resume assistance, and job placement support.
• Apprentice Florida is a partnership between the Florida Department of Education, Florida Commerce, and CareerSource Florida to expand apprenticeship programs across the state.
• Veterans Florida works to help military veterans transition to civilian life, connecting them with employers who are eager to hire them for jobs that align with the skills they gained serving in the military.
• The Military Family Employment Advocacy Program delivers priority workforce services to active-duty military spouses and family members through Military Family Employment Advocates located in local career centers throughout Florida.

Data in the month of October continues to indicate there are jobs available for every Floridian who wants to work, with more than 380,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities can utilize 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.

To view the October 2024 jobs reports by region, please see below:

To view October 2024 employment data, click here.

Visit Florida Insight for more information on the labor market and economic data. Additionally, FloridaCommerce has provided a video to assist users in explaining the data provided through Florida Insight.

FloridaCommerce also announced it has approved more than $52 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to 1,371 businesses impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton since August. By activating this disaster recovery resource immediately after each storm small businesses gained access to critical cash-in-hand funding to keep their employees on payroll and reopen their doors as quickly as possible.

Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL for more information about the program. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Milton. Interested applicants can apply now through December 4, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.

Additional Hurricane Recovery Resources for Employers and Employees:

• FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Milton. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Milton recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting "Hurricane Milton" from the dropdown menu.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Helene are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.
• The Hope Florida Line is available to assist those in need of resources or other assistance after the storm at 833-GET-HOPE.

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