State Reports Positive Job Growth

2002 (seasonably adjusted), compared to the previous year. This marks six

straight months of positive job growth within the Sunshine State. In

addition, Florida's unemployment rate was at 5.3 percent, virtually

unchanged from November's revised rate, and 0.7 percentage point lower than

the year-to-date rate of 6.0 percent.

"The vibrancy of Florida's economy is truly amazing and poses wonderful

possibilities for our future. With nearly 62,000 new jobs created in

December compared to the same time a year ago, Florida remains the nation's

leader in job growth," said Gov. Jeb Bush. "And, through my expressed

priority to diversify our economy, you can expect that we will continue to

work diligently and aggressively to ensure our state's future prosperity."

The latest figures released by the Agency for Workforce Innovation

show:

* In December 2002, there were 7,311,100 jobs, an

increase of 0.9 percent (+61,800 jobs) since December 2001.

* Total nonagricultural employment has registered

positive over-the-year growth for six consecutive months.

* Florida's unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in

December compared to the U.S. jobless rate of 6.0 percent in December,

0.7-percentage points above Florida's rate.

* Of the 10 most populous states, Florida continues to

be the only state with positive job growth from November 2001 to November

2002 (the latest comparable month available).

In addition to the above, 11 of Florida's 16 published metropolitan

statistical areas reported higher nonagricultural employment than a year

ago; while only one recorded no change. Miami continued to create the most

jobs over the year (+18,500 jobs, +1.8 percent), followed by West Palm

Beach-Boca Raton (+6,600 jobs, +1.3 percent), and Tampa-St.

Petersburg-Clearwater (+5,700 jobs, +0.5 percent).