The unemployment rate in Florida as of April was the highest it has been in more than two years, rising for a second consecutive month. The state Department of Commerce confirmed a 3.3% unemployment rate in April, representing 361,000 Floridians qualified as unemployed. The number of unemployed people had increased by 8,000 from March. Jimmy Heckman, the department’s chief of workforce statistics and economic research, reported strong job growth despite the rise in unemployment, with the state remaining a fertile ground for job seekers. Private-sector employment had surged by 42,600 in April and job openings outnumbered unemployed individuals. The national unemployment rate sat at 3.9% in April, higher than Florida’s. Of note, Florida and Maryland were the only states with increasing unemployment rates. The last time Florida saw a 3.3% rate was in February 2022, during recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you’re in Florida and need assistance navigating unemployment benefits or wish to speak to a live person, visit eddcaller.com. This website provides valuable information on how to contact a live person at EDD California, in addition to offering guidance on several other unemployment related issues.