Florida Unemployment Rate Continues to Drop, Lowest Since January 2007

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses have created more than 1.64 million jobs since December 2010, including 21,200 private-sector jobs in October. Over the past year, 241,500 new private-sector jobs were created in Florida. Florida’s annual job growth rate has outpaced the nation for 78 of the past 79 months. The only month that Florida did not exceed the nation was due to Hurricane Irma. Florida’s unemployment rate continued to drop in October, down from 3.5 percent to 3.4 percent, and is now the lowest since January 2007.

Governor Scott said, “Over the last eight years, we have recovered from a recession and rebuilt a strong and resilient economy that attracts businesses from all industries to create great jobs for Floridians. Every Floridian can be proud of our state’s incredible success, which has now driven down unemployment to just 3.4 percent – the lowest it has been since January 2007. Today, with more than 1.64 million jobs created since December 2010, we all see the importance of continuing to cut taxes and attract companies to Florida so people can live their dreams and support their families in the Sunshine State.”  Continue reading →

From the Governor’s Desk

Today, following a request from Governor Rick Scott to ensure all counties impacted by Hurricane Michael are receiving the federal assistance needed to fully recover, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved additional Public Assistance (PA) for 10 counties. Please see more information on FEMA’s PA approval below:

• Okaloosa and Walton counties are approved for Public Assistance categories A-G.
• Franklin, Holmes, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington counties are approved for Public Assistance categories C-G (already designated for Individual Assistance and PA categories A and B).

Continue reading →

Working with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office this week, we stopped a massive smash and grab theft ring responsible for nearly one million dollars in property loss. Members of the crime organization face charges connected to burglaries of at least 14 businesses, spanning several Florida counties.

According to a multi-agency investigation, the crimes occurred from May through September and followed a similar pattern. The method of operation involved members of the ring smashing a hole in the wall of a business, rushing inside, disabling the security system and fleeing with thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise.

The investigation estimates the ring is responsible for more than $830,000 in stolen goods and property damage. Businesses targeted include boating, discount, liquor and tire stores among others. The burglaries occurred in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Polk counties. Most of the defendants reside in Miami. Stolen items include cigarettes, liquor, tires, a hand gun, boating and fishing equipment, and a digital video recorder system. Continue reading →

Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black Friday is the unofficial beginning of the holiday shopping season. This week, just in time for the shopping frenzy, I released my 2018 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide. The guide is full of great advice for making secure purchases online and tips on avoiding identity theft and charity scams. It also includes safety information about toys and recalled items to better prepare shoppers to make wise purchases this holiday season.

Consumers should make sure they are using a secure web browser before submitting financial information when shopping online. Using a credit card to make an online purchase adds another layer of protection for online shoppers. It is also important to keep all receipts and understand a retailer’s return policies and deadlines.

In addition to smart online shopping tips, the guide includes a list of items recalled by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission during the past year. It specifically focuses on children’s toys and items that pose a threat to children and teenagers. These products have been recalled by a manufacturer because of safety and health concerns. Recalled items include clothing, furniture, sporting goods, toys and other home products that may be unsafe for children. You can find more information on recalls and a comprehensive list of recalled items year-round at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ww.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls.

The holidays are a time to be grateful for what we have and enjoy the company of family and friends. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels for those visiting family this week.

Friends,

Despite much anxiety over the recent election, we have many reasons to be thankful. First, we were given by our forefathers a system of self-government where we can select our own leaders, none of whom can appoint themselves. Secondly, I am extremely grateful to the voters of Senate District 12 for providing a clear statement of confirmation for me to continue to be their Senator. Thirdly, we are grateful that 65 of 67 counties of Florida have been able to conduct with fairness and professionalism a clear tabulation of our elections. Fourth, we have a clear set of law for resolving remaining questions in close elections. We also have a court system to resolve any remaining issues in a timely manner. Finally, I am extremely grateful that no remaining issues will delay the timely convening of the organizational session of the Florida Legislature on November 20^th. This session is our opportunity to organize our government for the next two years. We will move onward and upward! Continue reading →