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Economists: Fla. to add 905,500 jobs by 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Oct. 3, 2012 – If an increase in jobs forms the foundation for a full housing recovery, Florida is on track for a resurgence.

The recent Florida Economic Estimating Conference, a collaborative event featuring the state’s top public sector economists, projected that Florida is expected to create more than 900,000 new jobs by 2018. The Estimating Conference meets three times a year to forecast trends for Florida’s economy.

In fiscal 2010/2011, the economists see 7,232,500 nonagricultural jobs in the state. By 2017/2018, that’s projected to rise to 8,138,000 – a 905,500 jump in employment.

The economists pointed to other positive signs for the Florida economy, including a stronger outlook for housing.

“In addition to the positive job creation forecast, Florida is currently experiencing increases in job growth, housing starts, median home prices, tax revenues and consumer confidence,” the conference said in a release. “Additionally, in August, Florida was recognized for the second highest job creation total in the nation, saw its largest over-the-month job increase since April 2011 and continues to lead all other states in the nation in the drop in its unemployment rate since December 2010.”

For more information, including resources for employers and job seekers, visit www.floridajobs.org.

© 2012 Florida Realtors®