TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Florida’s unemployment rate increased to 8.8 percent in July.
It was the first time in several months that unemployment rate worsened in Florida.
The state’s unemployment rate stood at 8.6 percent in June for a second straight month.
Florida’s July figures were half a percentage point higher than the national average of 8.3 percent.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott has made job creation the hallmark of his administration.
He’s touted Florida’s improving job market numbers in past months to the chagrin of Republican colleagues who worry his enthusiasm serves to boost President Barack Obama’s chances to carry Florida’s 29 electoral votes in November.
Scott was in Tampa on Friday to help celebrate the opening of a new business that hopes to add 300 employees.
