Broward County's unemployment fell

Broward County's unemployment fell to 7.9 percent, the lowest rate in South Florida, the state reported Friday.


Statewide, unemployment dropped to 9.4 percent, a three-year low, and the third consecutive month below 10 percent, the state said. January's rate was 9.6 percent.

Job creation also picked up steam, after jobs were lost in January, with 10,100 jobs gained in February, according to Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity.

Florida's still lagging the nation in adding jobs, said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Economy.com. But in two or three years, as housing and construction turns around, "Florida will take its traditional position as a growth leader," he said.

Job gains for the month in Broward were in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and business and professional services.

Since February of last year, Florida has added 72,300 jobs, ranking 4th among states with significant employment changes, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Friday.

Palm Beach County's rate dropped to 9.2 percent from 9.6 percent in January.

Florida had a broad-based gain in jobs, with the largest numbers in trade, transportation and utilities; education and health services; professional and business services; and leisure and hospitality.

From December to January, Florida lost 38,600 jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said. Previously, Florida has been gaining jobs, adding 7,300 in December and 8,500 in November.

The 9.4 percent unemployment rate represents 859,000 residents out of work.