These Counties Have the Highest Unemployment Rates in Florida.

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As the fear of job losses lingers amidst an uncertain economic outlook, Florida counties are grappling with varying degrees of unemployment. Drawing on the latest data compiled by Stacker from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this article highlights the counties within Florida facing the highest unemployment rates as of February 2024. These figures are particularly significant given the experts' mixed views on the potential onset of a new recession, influenced by factors such as the return of student loan payments, high gas prices, persistent inflation, and escalating insurance prices.

Top Ten Florida Counties by Unemployment Rate

10. Marion County

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• Unemployment Rate (February 2024): 4.1%
• Year-Over-Year Change: +1.0 percentage points
• Labor Force: 152,494 people; 6,277 unemployed

9. Hardee County

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• Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
• Year-Over-Year Change: +1.0 percentage points
• Labor Force: 9,387 people; 408 unemployed

8. Putnam County

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• Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
• Year-Over-Year Change: +0.7 percentage points
• Labor Force: 29,243 people; 1,256 unemployed

7. Hernando County

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• Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
• Year-Over-Year Change: +1.2 percentage points
• Labor Force: 79,350 people; 3,467 unemployed

6. Hamilton County

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• Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
• Year-Over-Year Change: +0.9 percentage points
• Labor Force: 4,227 people; 192 unemployed

5. Taylor County

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• Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
• Year-Over-Year Change: +1.5 percentage points
• Labor Force: 8,715 people; 388 unemployed

4. Hendry County

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• Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
• Year-Over-Year Change: +0.8 percentage points
• Labor Force: 16,088 people; 730 unemployed

3. Highlands County

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• Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
• Year-Over-Year Change: +1.1 percentage points
• Labor Force: 37,421 people; 1,779 unemployed

2. Sumter County

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• Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
• Year-Over-Year Change: +1.3 percentage points
• Labor Force: 39,395 people; 2,012 unemployed

1. Citrus County

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• Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
• Year-Over-Year Change: +1.4 percentage points
• Labor Force: 49,768 people; 2,568 unemployed

This analysis highlights a region grappling with significant economic challenges, where local economies are trying to navigate through a landscape shaped by global economic pressures and internal community needs. As Florida's counties work to rebound and stabilize, these unemployment rates serve as a critical indicator of both progress and lingering hurdles.

The high unemployment rates across these counties emphasize the need for targeted economic policies and support to foster job creation and economic stability. As we look to the future, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for policymakers, businesses, and community leaders aiming to drive recovery and growth in the region.