According to the latest state report, the number of jobs in Florida is 7,204,700 in November 2010, up 36,200 jobs compared to a year ago. Unfortunately, Northwest Florida didn’t share in the growth. Escambia County lost 646 jobs compared to November 2009, Okaloosa 1,219 jobs and Santa Rosa 330 jobs—for a combined loss 2,195 jobs.
Despite the loss in jobs Okaloosa County still has the lowest unemployment rate for the area, 8.1 percent, -which means its labor force also declined. Escambia County was at 11.5 percent for November. Santa Rosa County hit 10.2 percent.
We are still better than the state average unemployment rate (12.2 percent), but above the national average (9.3 percent).
Read report.