By Michael Peltier
The News Service of Florida
Florida’s unemployment rate inched up in November to 12 percent, despite seasonal jumps in tourism, health care and retail hiring, as the state continues to be otherwise mired by slow construction and lackluster real estate markets.
The rate, up from 11.9 percent in October and 0.4 points higher than a revised November 2009 figure, comes as business groups prepare to pay higher unemployment compensation taxes beginning next year and weather other expenses that may be hindering their desire to fill positions.
The 12 percent rate puts the state back where it began the year. The jobless rate hit 12.3 percent in March, before edging back down.
November’s figure is the second highest in the country, behind only California and Michigan, which tied at 12.4 percent. The national average was 9.8 percent.
In real terms, the rate translates into 1.1 million jobless out of a work force of 9.2 million. The only glimmer of holiday cheer may be that 36,200 jobs have been added since November 2009, an increase of 0.5 percent, But even that lagged behind a national job growth rate of 0.6 percent over the year.
Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott called the figures “inexcusable” and evidence that economic reforms are needed.
“In order to turn Florida’s economy around, we need to put jobs first and make sure all government expenditures are justified,” Scott said in a statement.
“As the ‘Jobs Governor,’ I have already begun meeting with Floridians to identify opportunities for job growth, and I am committed to getting Florida back to work by making Florida the best place to do business,” he said.