Florida jobless claims rise by 326,000 — most of any state

Florida registered the largest increase in initial unemployment claims of any state for the week ending April 25, rising by 326,251 to a total of more than half a million, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

Meanwhile, more than 3.8 million unemployment claims were filed in the U.S. last week — a decline from last week’s figure of more than 4 million but another data point showing the economic crisis sparked by the coronavirus outbreak plunges onward.

With the latest data release, some 30.3 million unemployment claims have been filed in the six weeks that ended April 25.

Florida’s sharp increase is likely due to improvements in the state’s dysfunctional unemployment system. Despite promises from the state, calls to the new, live help center remain unanswered, and many claimants are now getting “ineligible” messages. This week, the state announced that anyone who applied before April 5 must go through the entire process again.

White House projections show the unemployment rate could reach as high as 16%, a level not seen since the Great Depression.

The next federal unemployment release is slated for Friday, May 8.

Among Florida companies whose layoff announcements were made public this week were Doral-based Perry Ellis International, which announced layoffs of more than 300 workers;

BIC Graphic North America, which also laid off more than 300; The Palms Hotel and Spa in Miami Beach, which laid off 230; and

Hard Rock Cafes in Orlando and Hollywood, which together laid off about 700.

Unemployment claims could soon begin to taper following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ announced plan to begin reopening the state next week. It allows restaurants to open at 25% of capacity indoors, with outdoor seating available provided there is six-foot social distancing and parties restricted to 10 or fewer. Retail stores, museums and libraries would also reopen at 25% indoor capacity. Elective surgeries could also resume. The plan does not include MiamiDade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, where the rate of infections remains high.