OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The unemployment rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion (CLM) region increased to 4.8% in January, reflecting a 0.7 percentage point rise from December 2024 and a 0.5 percentage point increase from January 2024.

According to preliminary data from FloridaCommerce, the region’s labor force grew to 233,823, an increase of 2,306 over the month and 4,224 over the year. The number of employed residents rose by 398 from December and 2,875 from January 2024, totaling 222,501. The number of unemployed residents increased by 1,908 over the month and 1,349 from a year ago.

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Rusty Skinner, CEO of CareerSource CLM, emphasized the importance of comparing January’s data to both December and the previous January. “From (January) a year ago and December, our labor force and employment numbers have shown growth, with Marion showing the largest,” Skinner said. He noted that the increase in unemployment reflects seasonal shifts.

Despite rising unemployment rates across most Florida counties, Skinner highlighted that job opportunities remain available in the region. He also pointed to CareerSource CLM’s resources for individuals seeking additional skills.

Florida’s statewide unemployment rate was 3.7% in January. The next employment report is scheduled for release on March 28.

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