Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Florida’s Unemployment Rate Remains Lowest Among 10 Largest States in the Nation for the Twelfth Consecutive Month

Florida’s unemployment rate remains lower than the nation’s for 31 consecutive months since November 2020 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida’s unemployment rate remains the lowest among the 10 largest states in the nation for the twelfth consecutive month. In May 2023, Florida’s unemployment rate remained at 2.6 percent for the fifth consecutive month. Florida’s statewide unemployment rate of 2.6 percent was 1.1 percentage points below the national rate of 3.7 percent. In May 2023, Florida’s private sector employment increased by 17,200 jobs from the previous month, and by 323,400 jobs (3.9 percent) over the year, faster than the nation’s private sector job growth rate of 2.7 percent during the same time period.

“Florida’s unemployment rate has remained the lowest of the 10 largest states for an entire year —further proof that our Freedom First policies have strengthened our economy,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida will continue to protect taxpayers, foster new business formations, and maintain a responsible budget.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert warning Floridians about an increase in jury duty scams. In these scams, an imposter will call a target about missing jury duty, then threaten the potential victim with jail time if a fine is not paid. A recent news report from Miami-Dade County states that authorities there are seeing an alarming number of jury duty scams.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This scam is so troubling because the scammer on the phone will threaten a victim with potential jail time if a fine is not paid. Floridians should know that failing to report for jury duty is not grounds for immediate arrest, and court officials will never demand payment over the phone. By being aware of how to avoid this increasingly common scam, we can build a Stronger, Safer Florida.” Continue reading →

ATTORNEY GENERAL MOODY’S STATEWIDE PROSECUTORS CHARGE HUMAN TRAFFICKER FOR COERCING WOMEN AND TEEN INTO SEX TRADE

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is charging a human trafficker with multiple felonies for coercing women and a teenager into sex work for the trafficker’s personal gain. The Boca Raton Police Department arrested Brandon Gutman on charges of human trafficking of a minor and human trafficking of an adult. According to the investigation, Gutman withheld all money and identification documents from the women, and knowingly trafficked a 16-year-old girl.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This human trafficker kept women under his control with physical abuse and by withholding all their identification documents. He then forced them into sex work for his own financial profit, including knowingly trafficking a young 16-year-old girl. Thanks to the bravery of the survivors working with authorities and the investigative efforts of law enforcement, this predator will now face my Statewide Prosecutors.” Continue reading →