Florida Unemployment Rises to 4.7% as Lawmakers Return to Budget Talks
Florida’s jobless rate hits 4.7%, ranking 35th nationally with 523,000 unemployed residents as state budget talks begin.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Florida’s unemployment rate climbed to 4.7% in March, placing the state at 35th nationally and above the national average of 4.3%, as state lawmakers returned to the capital this week for budget negotiations.
The state now has 523,000 jobless residents and has lost 22,400 jobs over the past year, according to the Florida Department of Commerce. The unemployment figure ties Florida with four other states in national rankings.
“For years we’ve been told that Florida is the ‘economic engine of the nation.’ But if you look at the actual numbers today, the engine is stalling,” Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell said during a virtual press briefing Monday morning.
Rising Trend Concerns Officials
Florida’s unemployment rate has shown a steady upward trajectory, rising from 3.5% in January 2025. The rate moved above 4% for the first time in years last November and has remained elevated throughout 2026.
The economic data has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle, with Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott expressing alarm about the state’s job market performance.
Senator Calls for Action
“Unfortunately, this morning’s jobs numbers confirm what I have been sounding the alarm on for months, and what many Florida families are already feeling — Florida is falling behind on jobs,” Scott posted on social media Wednesday.
Scott’s social media post included a graphic comparing the state’s current 4.7% unemployment rate to the 3.6% rate from a year earlier. He emphasized the need for immediate action to address the economic challenges.
“We’re losing tens of thousands of jobs every month and our unemployment is behind the national average AGAIN. Something needs to change. There needs to be a relentless focus on growing our economy, recruiting more job creators, and getting Florida BACK TO WORK,” Scott stated.
Budget Negotiations Under Scrutiny
The economic concerns are likely to influence budget discussions as lawmakers work to finalize the state’s spending plan. Scott has consistently highlighted Florida’s rising unemployment numbers in recent weeks, making the economic situation a key talking point.
The timing of the budget negotiations coincides with growing questions about whether Florida’s economy is heading in the wrong direction, with both Democratic and Republican officials acknowledging the challenges facing the state’s job market.
