Rick Scott says Byron Donalds will revitalize sluggish job market

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott has continued to raise concerns about job creation during Gov. Ron DeSantis’ tenure, but he has expressed confidence that Byron Donalds could restore the state’s economic momentum if elected Governor.

“We’re going to have jobs, right? And when I was Governor, we were able to add a lot of jobs. Not quite as many now,” Scott said in Doral Monday.

In recent months, Scott, who oversaw the creation of 1.4 million jobs during his eight years as Governor, has been increasingly critical of his successor’s economic record.

Scott has pointed to several economic indicators, including Florida’s unemployment rate now exceeding the national average, recent net job losses, and what he describes as a slowing job market. He argues that these trends are detrimental to the state’s business climate and has called for renewed attention to job creation.

“Florida’s unemployment rate is ABOVE the national average and it’s only GROWING … Florida had one of the worst performing job markets over the past year. Our state needs to stay focused on adding private sector jobs and driving down cost of living — just like President (Donald) Trump is trying to do across the country,” he posted in April to X.

“Higher costs of living in Florida are driving people away from the state. That’s bad for Floridians, bad for business, and bad for everyone,” Scott posted the same month responding to a Wall Street Journal article.

Scott maintains that the state’s economic outlook would improve under Donalds’ leadership.

“But when Byron’s there, jobs are going to flow to the state, ’cause he knows what it takes. We’re going to recruit companies. We’re going to make sure small businesses can succeed. We’re going to reduce the regulatory environment. Every time we can figure out a fee or a tax we can reduce, we’re gonna do that. And we’re going to support our law enforcement.”

These remarks come at a time when Florida’s unemployment rate stands at 4.7 percent, nearly a full percentage point higher than it was a year ago and half a point above the national average. Over the past 12 months, Florida ranks 28th among states in job creation.

When Scott left office, Florida’s unemployment rate had declined from nearly 11 percent at the start of his tenure to 3.3 percent, which was a full point below the national average at the time. During his administration, the state added 1.7 million jobs, and the job growth rate reached 3.3 percent by the end of his term.

If elected, Donalds will face significant challenges in reversing current trends, despite Scott’s strong endorsement.

A legislative briefing from the Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) on the state’s long-term economic outlook last year offered further clarity on the long-term impact of the evaporation of employment opportunities.

Projections indicate that job creation in Florida will remain just above 1 percent annually, while an aging population is expected to place additional pressure on the state’s economy.