Sunshine Sentinel

A new study has found that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis boosted the state's economy by terminating additional federal unemployment benefits early, according to Fox Business.

DeSantis' choice to reject the federal unemployment insurance bonus has saved his state millions of dollars, according to a study conducted and published the Foundation for Government Accountability.

"Today, there is more job creation, more economic activity and less unemployment thanks to the economic stewardship of Gov. DeSantis," Hayden Dublois and Jonathan Ingram wrote in the study. "In particular, the governor’s decision to end the $300 weekly unemployment bonus helped to accelerate Florida’s economic recovery and kick the state into overdrive." 

Additionally, job search activity increased by more than 40% after DeSantis' announcement that the federal bonus would be phased out.

"Despite dismal national trends, Governor DeSantis’ policies continue to support job growth in Florida, and our economy is thriving," Christina Pushaw, press secretary for the executive office of the governor, told Fox Business in a statement. "Thousands of people from different states move to Florida every month in search of opportunity and a better lifestyle."

Florida's unemployment rate was 5.0% in August, down 0.1% from July, according to data from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. 

Additionally, the department's data show that the state's next round of unemployment numbers is likely to decline on Oct. 22.

"Under the leadership of Gov. DeSantis, Florida’s unemployment rate is decreasing,” Secretary Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity said, according to Tallahassee Reports. “This positive sign shows that Floridians are returning to work and Florida’s economy continues to provide opportunities for meaningful employment. I look forward to working with Floridians to continue these economic successes.”

In May 2021, Florida paid approximately $400 million in unemployment benefits, but by the beginning of September, that figure had decreased by 86%, Fox Business reported.

Additionally, business creation in Florida has increased by almost 70% after the bonuses stopped, in comparison to levels before the pandemic, according to Fox Business.

Florida's economy, based on current growth predictions, would soon rank 10th in the world if it were measured as an independent nation, according to Sunshine Sentinel.