The Broward County unemployment rate for the month of March was 5.5%, unchanged from the previous month. The region’s jobless rate was 0.7% points lower than the year-ago rate of 6.2%. Broward County's unemployment rate was 0.9% points lower than the state rate (6.4%) and 1.3% points lower than the national unemployment rate (6.8%). The total labor force in Broward County is 1,061,217 of which 57,992 are unemployed residents. Broward County ranked first among all metro areas in the state for over-the-year growth in government (2,300 jobs). Jobs were also added in major industries including: trade, transportation and utilities (7,600 jobs); professional and business services (3,400 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (4,000 jobs); construction (3,000 jobs), other services (1,900 jobs); education and health services; information (500 jobs) and financial activities (1,100 jobs); and manufacturing (100 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.