Fla. adds 17,500 private-sector jobs

March payroll numbers show 13 percent jump over a year ago

In Florida, it’s still raining jobs. The state added 17,500 privatesector jobs in March, up 13 percent from 15,447 in the same month a year ago, according to payroll company ADP.

That percentage increase was lower than in February, when private-sector jobs were up 30 percent in the state, according to ADP’s report last month. Still, a year-over-year analysis is considered the best comparison, economists say.

In March, Florida added the most jobs — 4,900 — in business and professional services, followed by 2,000 in construction and mining; 1,800 in trade, transportation and utilities; and 900 in manufacturing.

Nationally, private-sector employment increased by 241,000 jobs in March, compared with 122,400 for the same month a year ago. The country added the most jobs — 44,000 — in business and professional services, followed closely by 40,000 in trade, transportation and utilities. There were 31,000 jobs in construction and 29,000 in manufacturing. The remaining jobs added were divided between finance, leisure and hospitality, financial activities, information and other services.

The national report was above Wall Street estimates, according to media reports. The monthly employment reports are produced by ADP with Moody’s Analytics.

Florida’s official employment report, which includes public sector jobs, is scheduled to be released April 20. National private-sector hiring increases in March surpassed Wall Street expectations.

AP FILE