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Federal Reserve Raises Fed Funds Rate as Florida's Labor Market Shows Continued Signs of Strength
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The September 2026 edition of Florida By The Numbers is now available. Florida's latest economic data shows continued job growth, while also highlighting important trends in unemployment, housing, inflation, and interest rates.
Florida Chamber Foundation Senior Director of Economic Research, Sheridan Morby, breaks down what the latest numbers mean for Florida and why these economic trends matter to businesses, communities, and policymakers across the state. |
This month's updates include:
- Labor Market Trends:
- Florida added 59,000 jobs in August, marking the fifth consecutive month of annual job gains and outpacing national job growth.
- Florida’s unemployment rate declined to 4.5%, with unemployment among younger workers remaining an important part of the state’s overall labor market story.
- Housing Trends:
- Florida’s single-family home sales declined year over year in August after 11 consecutive months of annual gains, while home prices remained relatively steady.
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- Inflation and Interest Rates:
- National inflation remained at 3.4%, keeping affordability and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions in focus.
- The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points this month, with future decisions expected to depend on inflation and labor market conditions.
Additional metrics and more are found on TheFloridaScorecard.org. |
Dive More Into Migration and Labor Market Trends with Sheridan and Lightcast's Principal Economist Ron Hetrick, at the Future of Florida Forum (F3) Next Month!
Rate Increases After Friday! |
Can’t attend in person? Join us virtually!
Our very own Sheridan Morby and Ron Hetrick, Principal Economist at Lightcast, will be exploring Florida’s changing labor market, migration trends, and what these shifts mean for the state’s future workforce. Register today. The price increases after Friday!
We invite you to join hundreds of fellow business, policy, education, workforce, economic development, and community leaders at the 2026 Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber Annual Meeting on October 27-28 in Orlando for this discussion and more.
Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available. Sign up today!
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Thank You to Our Community Development Partnership Council for Driving the Research that is Securing Florida's Future!
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| Ready to make an impact on the future of Florida? Join our Community Development Partnership Council of forward-thinking business leaders with a deeply vested interest in our state’s success. Visit our website to learn more, and contact our Senior Director of Economic Research, Sheridan Morby, to get engaged. |
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We're securing the future of Florida every day.
Connect with us to see how! |
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