The Broward County unemployment rate for the month of February was 5.4%, unchanged from the previous month. The region’s jobless rate was 1.1% points lower than the year-ago rate of 6.5%. Broward County's unemployment rate was .9% points lower than the state rate (6.3%) and 1.6% points lower than the national unemployment rate (7.0%). The total labor force in Broward County is 1,052,423 of which 57,100 are unemployed residents. Broward County ranked first among all metro areas  in the state for over-the-year growth in government (2,400 jobs) and information (600 jobs). Jobs were also added in major industries including: trade, transportation and utilities (7,700 jobs); professional and business services and leisure and hospitality (4,200 jobs); leisure and hospitality (3,500 jobs each); construction (2,800 jobs), other services (1,600 jobs) education and health services; and financial activities (800 jobs); and manufacturing (400 jobs).

As required on a yearly basis under state law, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has calculated what the state's minimum wage will be as of January 1st, 2014. The new minimum wage will be $7.93/hour, an increase of 14 cents/hour over the current rate. Please click here for the announcement, posters for employers in English and Spanish to use at their worksites, and other details.