Florida jobless rate inches up to 12.3%

[DemocratSinceBirth]

Florida's unemployment rate in March crept to 12.3 percent – up just a bit from February – even as the labor market in Metro Orlando displayed some seasonal signs of progress.

The jobless rate in Central Florida dipped from 12.6 percent to 12.1 percent as every county in the region posted better numbers.

Orange, Lake and Brevard counties saw unemployment rates improve by half a percentage point while Osceola improved by six-tenths of a percent. Those numbers, however, are not seasonally adjusted, meaning they likely reflect increased hiring that accompanies warmer weather.

"Seasonally, we always see a pick up around March," said Well Fargo senior economist Mark Vitner. "I think that's probably what's at play here."

Gains aside, the jobless rates remain depressingly high and likely will for the foreseeable future.

Orange, Brevard, Volusia, Lake, Polk and Osceola counties all have unemployment rates of 12 percent or more, while Seminole County is at 11.4 percent. Statewide, 33 of Florida's 67 counties reported rates of 12 percent or more.


http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-jobless-rate-florida-march-20100416,0,562319.story

[ixion]

1. which means the real number is much higher...

It's a mess in Florida right now. I've got friends in the construction business, and they're saying there are zero jobs out there right now.

[KG]

2. i'm in the construction biz in FL. it's basically inert.

[unabelladonna]

3. i'm in palm beach county

there's one builder who's working on a thousand unit community. i'm wondering what the rate is here.