Florida's Economy Better Than Last Year But Still Weak

As we move into the second half of 2011, it is time to look back at the economy in South Florida over the last six months. Data from 15 key economic indicators suggest a slight improvement in South Florida's economy since last year, but we still have a long way to go.

Unemployment is on the rise yet again, despite the fact that many companies have been hiring recently. The figures are 13.4% in Miami-Dade and 9% in Broward County. Although this is nothing compared to the 23,600 jobs South Florida was losing each month in spring 2010, it shows a slow recovery to the job market.

The real estate market has also proved slow to recover. Although single-family home sales are up 18% over last year, the prices these homes are selling for are down almost 5% over 2010.

Some good news is found in consumer spending, tourism and trade. Taxable sales have increased almost 8% since last year and Miami continues to be one of the top 3 destinations in the U.S. for Latin Americans and Europeans.

Unemployment Rate Drops in December 2010

The US unemployment rate dropped to 9.4% from 9.8% in December 2010. On top of that figure, 103,000 jobs were created last month.

The high unemployment rate has contributed greatly to the present recession, but the shift in statistics suggests a positive change in our nation's economy.

President Obama highlighted these statistics in a recent speech, and expressed his optimism for a speedy economic recovery.

Florida's Unemployment Rate Reaches 11.9% in September

Florida's unemployment rate reached 11.9% in September, up 0.2% from August.

There was a year-to-year gain of 27,200 jobs in September. However, Florida residents lost 11,000 jobs from August to September, after losing 16,000 jobs the month before.

Florida Unemployment Rate Reaches 11.7%

This August, Florida's unemployment rate climbed to 11.7%, up from 11.5% in July of this year. This means that approximately 1 million of the 9.2 million Florida workers are jobless, according to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation. Florida's unemployment rate is now 2% higher than the nation's average.

The state lost 16,000 jobs last month, with the biggest losses in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, real estate and government.