Scott announces Florida job growth; Unemployment rate drops

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — During a news conference in Winter Springs, Gov. Rick Scott announced Friday that Florida businesses created 25,800 private-sector jobs in April.

Scott said since December 2010, 865,600 private-sector jobs have been created across the state. Florida's annual private-sector job growth rate, now at 4.1 percent, has exceeded that of the nation since April 2012.

Scott made the announcement at IRadimed, a manufacturer of MRI-compatible, non–magnetic IV infusion pump systems, that has created 46 jobs for families in Winter Springs, including 39 new jobs since December 2013.

News Conference: Gov. Scott announces job growth

"We are excited to announce today that 865,600 new private-sector jobs have been created in Florida since December 2010, including more than 25,000 new jobs in the month of April alone. By working every day to keep cutting taxes and create an environment where job creators can succeed, we are keeping Florida on track to becoming the global destination for jobs," Scott said.

Florida's unemployment rate for April 2015 was 5.6 percent, a decrease of 0.8 percentage point over the year from the April 2014 rate of 6.4 percent.

"In April, 25,800 private-sector jobs were created in Florida, job demand remained high, and the statewide unemployment rate dropped. After surpassing the all-time high for private-sector job creation in the state in March, all indicators are pointing towards our economy only continuing to get better. Hard-working Floridians are proving that the Sunshine State is the best place in the nation to live, play, and work," said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio.

On an annual basis, Florida's labor force has increased for 62 consecutive months, said Scott.

WFTV