Although slowly, Florida's unemployment numbers continue to improve.
State labor officials said Friday that the unemployment rate dipped to 8 percent in December, an improvement of one-tenth of a percentage point from November's 8.1 percent figure.
Florida unemployment now stands at its lowest level since it was at 7.8 percent in November 2008.
Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity had hoped December's unemployment figures reflect some seasonal employment that leads to more improvement in the state jobs market.
The state's unemployment rate fell below 10 percent for the first time in nearly three years in December 2011 and has continued to slowly improve since although 749,000 workers remain jobless.
Gov. Rick Scott, who has staked his re-election chances on creating jobs, said Friday the figures show the state is headed in the right direction.
Scott announced the latest numbers Friday in Miami.
"Trends show that we are also experiencing growth in many different economic indicators that are key to job creation," said Scott. "Housing starts are on the rise, businesses and families continue to move to Florida and more jobs are being created. The changes we are making to improve our state?s business climate are helping Florida families pursue the American dream."
Improving home sales, rising home values and a resilient stock market have buoyed improving consumer confidence in Florida in recent months.
- Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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Unemployment County by County
Unlike November's mixed results, December's numbers were lower in every county in Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area.
Still, some counties dropped more than others. Flagler County, despite a 0.2 percent drop in unemployment, now has the highest rate statewide.
That's more than a full percentage point higher than the next highest rate: 10.1 percent in Putnam County.
Locally, Polk County's drop was the biggest, a 0.4 percent change from November.
December 2012 (Not Seasonally Adjusted)
| RANK* | COUNTY | DECEMBER 2012 | NOVEMBER 2012 |
| 1 | Flagler | 11.2% | 11.4% |
| 7 | Hernando | 9.4% | 9.6% |
| 11 | Citrus | 9.1% | 9.2% |
| 13 | Marion | 8.9% | 9.2% |
| 15 | Pasco | 8.7% | 9.0% |
| 17 | Polk | 8.6% | 9.0% |
| 18 | Osceola | 8.6% | 8.8% |
| 24 | Brevard | 8.3% | 8.5% |
| 25 | Lake | 8.1% | 8.4% |
| 26 | Volusia | 8.1% | 8.3% |
| 32 | Manatee | 7.8% | 8.1% |
| 37 | Hillsborough | 7.6% | 7.9% |
| 38 | Pinellas | 7.6% | 7.9% |
| 40 | Orange | 7.5% | 7.7% |
| 47 | Seminole | 7.0% | 7.3% |
| 60 | Sumter | 6.4% | 6.6% |
* Out of 67 Florida counties.
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