Quite a few of the markets in Florida have been adding new jobs within the past year. At least fourteen of the twenty two markets have added jobs for the state of Florida. Many of the jobs went to areas in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Miami, and Jacksonville. In fact, both Tamp and St. Petersburg added 26,900 jobs while Miami added 18,700 and Jacksonville added 8,300 more jobs. In Marion County, only about 1,300 jobs were added within the span of a year, from December 2010 to November of 2011.

The jobs that have been added are only a fraction of growth, especially when compared to other areas that have experience a much higher amount of added jobs. However, while it is just a fraction, many people believe that the figures are correct and it is what you can expect with an economy that has been through so much within the past few years.

Within January through November, Florida actually added about 120,000 new jobs. Florida, known for being the Sunshine State, is having an employment market that is growing at rapid pace, much faster than some of the other states and their employment markets.

The Governor, Rick Scott, said that when people believe and have faith, jobs will grow and that is what the people of Florida seem to be doing. The unemployment rates in Florida are still high, still above the national rate for unemployment. However, even with a higher than average unemployment rate, Florida is one of the only states that has created such an abundance of new jobs. In fact, the only two states that have beaten out Florida for job growth are California and Texas. Within the twelve month period from December to November, the employment for Marion County increased by about 1,700 jobs. There were quite a few job losses for those who are in the field of construction as the construction industry has been quite sluggish lately.

In the meantime, while construction is doing poorly right now, health services and educational sectors seem to grow the most, with a total of 600 new jobs added. This employment includes schools, colleges, dental and doctors’ office, hospitals, and much more. Many people have been able to find employment in these particular areas. Hospitality and retail also managed to add quite a few new jobs which helped many people find the employment they had been seeking for a long time.

Rusty Skinner, the CEO of Workforce Connection in Ocala, Florida, has said, “I feel very good and I’m very optimistic that we’re going to see changes and more job growth in 2012. I think everything’s lining up.” And, with progress being made, he could be absolutely correct.