Jobless rates jump in Palm Beach, Broward counties

By Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — Unemployment rose slightly statewide in July but by a more significant margin in Palm Beach and Broward counties, according to Florida’s Agency for Workforce Innovation.

The agency’s monthly report did show one sliver of positive news: Florida gained 2,700 jobs in the 12 months through July, the first time that’s happened in more than three years.

“Even though it is small, it is a positive sign,” said Rebecca Rust, chief economist for the agency.

Statewide, the jobless rate bumped up to 11.5 percent from 11.4 percent in June and 10.8 percent in July 2009. That’s two percentage points higher than the national rate. The number of Floridians out of work: 1.055 million.

In Palm Beach County, the jobless rate rose to 12.2 percent from 11.8 percent in June and 11.5 percent a year ago. The number of county residents out of work: 75,919 compared with 73,092 a month earlier.

In Broward, the rate rose to 10.4 percent from 10.1 percent a month earlier and 9.8 percent in July 2009. The actual number out of work: 103,859, up from 99,755 a month ago.

The statewide statistics are adjusted for seasonal factors that affect the employment picture year in, year out. County numbers are not seasonally adjusted.

Rust cited seasonal swings in agriculture as a major factor for the increases in unemployment at the county level.

The unemployment rate only include those out of work who are actively looking for jobs. If discouraged workers and those forced to work part time because they can't find full-time positions are included, the statewide rate would surge to 19.3 percent.